PIA is premised on lifelong learning and education is critical to personal and professional development. It, therefore, aims to develop perspectives, knowledge, and skills of university students and development professionals by offering a variety of courses.

PIA as the educational wing of PRIA (Participatory Research in Asia) draws on practical lessons from the action learning projects of PRIA implemented over the last three decades. The educational courses offered by PIA are the perfect blend of PRIA's practice-based experience and academic rigour.