Founded in 1958, it offers bachelor's, master's and vocational degrees in subjects including acting, writing, directing, scenic construction, technical theatre, voice, costume, props, production design and cultural leadership.

[1] NIDA's main campus is based in the Sydney suburb of Kensington, located adjacent to the University of New South Wales (UNSW), and is made up of a range of rehearsal and performance venues.

Many of Australia's leading actors and directors trained at NIDA, including Cate Blanchett, Sarah Snook, Mel Gibson, Judy Davis and Baz Luhrmann.

[2] With the support of the Vice-Chancellor (later Sir) Philip Baxter,[citation needed] NIDA was established in the grounds of the University of New South Wales.

NIDA ran the Old Tote Theatre Company until 1969, whose productions were initially funded by the AETT and subsequently by the Australia Council for the Arts and the New South Wales Government.

In 1967 the Old Tote moved its administration to separate premises, to a building which still exists on the UNSW campus, then known as the Parade Theatre, and on 7 May 1969 gave its first performance at that venue, a production of Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.

NIDA utilises a conservatoire model, where students learn by practical application through in-house productions and working with professional companies on short-term placements.

In addition to classwork, students will work on multiple practical projects during their time at NIDA, ranging from full theatrical productions to short films.

Tutors include voice specialists, movement and body language practitioners, film and theatre directors, actors and television presenters.

The letter which was sent to Hughes via email accused the school of "systemic and institutionalised racism" and where students had felt that they were there simply to fulfill diversity quotas.