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About PDRI: Professional Development Research Institute

A registered LLP and ISO certified consultancy helping working professionals and overseas Pakistanis earn online diplomas through research-based, experience-based assessment.

Who we are

PDRI stands for Professional Development Research Institute and Consultancy Services. It is a private, independent, borderless and online forum, registered as an LLP, that connects international qualifications, mainly one-year and two-year diplomas, with adult learners anywhere in the world.

PDRI was started by university professionals and researchers who saw that conventional, structured education cannot keep pace with modern technology and market demand. Our approach to online study, our own research journal, and our own Learning Management System (LMS) and Management Information System (MIS) are built for people who are already working.

PDRI is not a degree or diploma awarding institution. It works with international and national institutions and acts as a bridge between students, colleges and universities. See our accreditation and collaboration page and meet the Board of Governors.

Registered LLP

Private, independent consultancy

ISO Certified

Quality-managed operations

4.8 on Google

Student reviews and video reviews

Own LMS and MIS

Study and track progress online

What we do

Our main focus is the professional development of Pakistanis working abroad, especially in the Middle East, but our wider aim is to contribute to the development of the country. PDRI brings affordable international professional qualifications to the doorstep of adult learners.

Our overseas chapter also offers guidance and counselling on career development, council membership, admission to international universities and research support.

Who can benefit

Experienced professionals

Matric-passed candidates with at least three years of practical experience who can demonstrate their skills through research, an interview or online study.

Graduate and post-graduate standards

Intermediate, DAE or bachelor-level candidates with more than five years of experience, eligible for graduate and post-graduate standard international certifications.

Managers and senior staff

Usually graduates working in multinational companies in managerial positions who want a recognised professional qualification.

Our approach: research-based and experience-based learning

Many people cannot follow traditional education because of family and job pressures. In the UK, USA, France and elsewhere, methods such as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Experience-Based Education and Fast Track Education Systems have developed for exactly this reason. Read more on our RPL in Pakistan page.

Some providers misuse these terms to sell education in the wrong way. At PDRI, the main approach is to assess your existing competencies through research. Research here means testing, verifying and strengthening your skills, and it can range from a simple assignment to a research article or project.

This kind of learning does not fall under a national or international formal education framework or regulator. PDRI simply provides a platform suited to the needs and busy schedule of on-the-job professionals.

Why PDRI?

Unlike traditional distance learning or on-campus education, PDRI/PDRC works under the direct leadership of Prof. Dr. Zaher Shah, PhD, a researcher and public university teacher. It offers modern, research-based and experience-based professional qualifications and certifications, designed around the needs and capacity of adult working professionals. From matriculate to PhD, and from office assistant to senior manager, candidates can find a suitable course or certification.

Flexible system of professional qualification.
Research and vocation-specific professional qualification.
Certification based on experience and research, with exemptions for past training.
Friendly to on-the-job professionals.
A variety of local and international certifications.
Guidance and counselling by seasoned researchers and specialists.
A research-centric approach, which is the backbone and the most trusted part of our method.
An affordable alternative for aspirants.
A free online data-saving portal and publication of candidates' research work.
Fast track, RPL system and exemptions for overseas Pakistanis and local skilled persons.

We also publish the Journal of Interdisciplinary Research & Development, which carries the research work of professionals in their own fields.

Vision and mission

Mission

Provide equitable access to education, vocational training and economic opportunities, with a focus on marginalised communities, women and youth.
Offer outcome-based, holistic education through multidisciplinary learning that promotes healthy and strong minds.
Inculcate human values so that learners become responsible citizens nationally and globally.

Vision

Transform lives through value-based, quality professional education and life skills that help learners meet national and global challenges.
Become a centre of excellence in shaping industry-competent and socially responsible professionals.
Build an inclusive, resilient Pakistan where grassroots innovation and equitable education empower marginalised communities.

Role, function and purpose

Role

PDRI was created in response to the needs of overseas Pakistanis, especially in the Middle East. It uses executive-centric, non-conventional methods to certify Pakistani professionals and bring their skills in tune with modern industry culture. The core of PDRI is research, especially professional action research. Under the guidance of its chief advisor, knowledge-partnership agreements have been concluded with Canadian, American and European bodies and institutions.

Function

PDRI’s main function is to accredit and certify skilled and semi-skilled Pakistanis through professional, internationally linked certifications, using job-friendly methods such as online research initiatives and assessment of acquired experience.

Purpose

The central purpose is to develop adult Pakistanis professionally so that they become productive human capital for national and international markets. We believe professional development leads to prosperity, stability, pluralism and peace, and that every person has a right to educational opportunity, as stated in Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Important notice

These qualifications are not recognised by PMC, HEC, PEC, PNC and similar bodies, because they do not fall within the formal education framework of Pakistan. PDRI does not want to mislead aspirants, so please confirm acceptance with your employer or regulator before enrolling.

Ready to start your online diploma?

Talk to our admissions team or browse our course categories.