WHY CHOOSE FIPS

Professional-Based Education That Sets You Apart

Festari Institute of Professional Studies is an industry-driven institution built around one clear strength: Mining Engineering. It is the specialization that sets us apart, backed by equally strong programs in Oil & Gas Management for the energy sector.

Our teaching is hands-on and led by working professionals, so you graduate with skills employers actually use. Based in Tarkwa, Ghana, we deliver flexible schedules and globally recognized certifications to learners on-site, online, and at company facilities worldwide.

Since 2022 we have trained 1,300+ professionals from leading mining operators and industrial companies across 13 countries, from West Africa to the Middle East, Europe, Australia, and the Americas.

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FEATURED PROGRAMMES

Our Flagship Professional Tracks

Explore Mining Engineering, Oil & Gas Management, Occupational Health & Safety, and more.

Mining Engineering Technology

Mining Engineering Technology

Mining Engineering Technology is an advanced technical program that equips mining engineers and technicians with cutting-edge knowledge in mining engi...

Occupational Health and Safety Management

Occupational Health and Safety Management

Occupational Health and Safety Management is a critical professional development program designed to enhance workplace safety, protect employee health...

Oil and Gas Management

Oil and Gas Management

Oil and Gas Management is a comprehensive business and management program designed to develop strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and operati...

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INDUSTRY-CONNECTED LEARNING

Training Built Around Real Industry Practice

Every FIPS program is shaped by the demands of the mining, energy, and technology sectors. You learn from practitioners, work through real operational scenarios, and earn certifications recognized by employers worldwide. That is a direct bridge from the classroom to career advancement in Tarkwa and beyond.

CONTACT

Industry-Aligned

Programmes shaped for mining, energy, technology, and safety careers — not generic classroom theory.

Hybrid Flexibility

Evening, weekend, and online options at the Tamso Study Hub so you can study while you work.

Global Credentials

IPED UK and WSO qualifications with QR-verified certificates portable across borders.

Tarkwa Hub

Based in Ghana's mining heartland, serving professionals across West Africa since 2020.

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Professionals Trained

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Countries Reached

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International Partners

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GEMCA Certification Domains

PARTNERS & AFFILIATIONS

Recognized, accredited, and academically connected

International accreditation partners plus our academic link to Ghana's leading mining university

IPED UK Logo
IPED UK

Institute of Professional Education and Development

WSO Logo
WSO

World Safety Organization

University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) logo
UMaT

University of Mines and Technology

Academic affiliation

Linked to the University of Mines and Technology

FIPS is rooted in Tarkwa's mining community and connected to UMaT through our Founder's role as a Lecturer in Mining Engineering at the University. That link helps our proficiency and professional programmes reflect real university standards and industry practice.

How we are linked to UMaT

We are an accredited professional education institution with internationally recognized partners.

For accreditation or partnership questions, please contact us.

ADMISSION PROCESS

How to Get Admitted to FIPS

Five straightforward steps from programme selection to enrolment.

1. Choose Programme

Browse by division and pick the qualification that fits your career goals.

2. Apply Online

Complete the application form with your personal and educational details.

3. Upload Documents

Submit ID, transcripts, and any supporting materials securely online.

4. Pay Fee

Pay the GHS 105 application fee via Paystack or mobile money.

5. Enrol

Receive confirmation and start your professional education journey.

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about FIPS: programmes, accreditation, admissions, fees, and more.

About FIPS

The Festari Institute of Professional Studies (FIPS) is a professional education institution headquartered in Tarkwa, Western Region, Ghana. We deliver internationally partnered programmes in mining engineering technology, safety, management, and applied sciences. FIPS is a venture of Festari Group Limited.
FIPS stands for Festari Institute of Professional Studies.
FIPS is headquartered on Tamso Estate Road, Tarkwa, in the Western Region of Ghana, at the heart of the country's gold mining belt. Tarkwa is home to major mining operations by AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, and other operators, making it an ideal location for a mining-focused professional education institution.
FIPS was founded by Dr. Festus Kunkyin-Saadaari, a Lecturer in Mining Engineering at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa. The Institute has been operating and training professionals since 2022 and was officially incorporated by the Registrar General's Department (RGD) on 30 May 2025. FIPS was established to bridge the gap between theoretical university education and the practical competencies demanded by the mining and extractive industries.
Not yet. FIPS currently operates as a professional education institution, delivering programmes in partnership with internationally recognised awarding bodies. We are strategically developing the governance, academic, and research frameworks required to transition into a degree-awarding higher education institution, subject to regulatory approval.
FIPS is the flagship venture of Festari Group Limited (FGL), a diversified enterprise ecosystem based in Tarkwa. FGL operates across professional education, certification, technology, media, hospitality, agriculture, real estate, and mobility.
"Empowering Competence. Inspiring Excellence." captures our dual mission. We empower learners with demonstrable, certified competence (practical capability, not just knowledge), and we inspire them to pursue the highest standards of professional performance.

Programmes and Courses

FIPS offers professional certificate and diploma programmes across mining engineering technology, drill and blast engineering technology, mine safety and occupational health, mine management and leadership, applied sciences, data analytics, and digital skills. Our flagship programmes are in the mining and engineering sectors, though we continue to expand into broader professional domains.
FIPS programmes are delivered in partnership with internationally recognised awarding bodies, including iPED UK and the World Safety Organization (WSO). MERIT (Measured Excellence through Institutional Trust) accredits FIPS as an approved provider. CTVET accreditation is currently in progress.
University degrees focus primarily on academic knowledge and theory. FIPS programmes complement this by focusing on practical competence, industry-specific skills, professional certification, and workplace readiness. Many of our learners hold university degrees and come to FIPS to gain the professional certifications and practical skills that employers require.
We are developing flexible progression pathways from professional certification to undergraduate and postgraduate education through partnerships with accredited universities. As FIPS develops toward degree-awarding status (subject to regulatory approval), additional pathways will become available.
Programme duration varies depending on the level and mode of delivery. Professional certificate programmes typically run from a few weeks to several months. Diploma and advanced professional programmes may span six months to one year. Specific durations are published for each programme on our website.
FIPS is developing its digital learning infrastructure through OpenVarsity, the Festari Group's online learning platform. As programmes become available online, they will be announced on www.fips.ac.
Yes. Many of our learners are working professionals in the mining and industrial sectors. Our programmes are designed with flexible scheduling, including weekend and block-release delivery modes, to accommodate the demands of full-time employment.

Certification and Credentials

Depending on the programme, you may receive a FIPS professional certificate or diploma, a partner-awarded qualification (e.g., through iPED UK or WSO), and eligibility for GEMCA professional belt certification. The specific credentials for each programme are published in the programme details.
GEMCA is the independent certification authority within the Festari ecosystem. It administers an examination-based professional belt certification system across ten mining and engineering domains, spanning six levels: White Belt, Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, Black Belt Plus, and Master Black Belt. FIPS trains; GEMCA certifies by independent examination, maintaining a deliberate separation between education delivery and assessment.
FIPS delivers the training programmes. GEMCA independently assesses and certifies learners through examination. This separation ensures the integrity of professional credentials: the institution that teaches is not the same entity that certifies, mirroring the model used by global certification bodies.
Yes. Through our partnerships with iPED UK, WSO, and MERIT, FIPS qualifications carry international recognition. We have trained professionals from 13 countries across three continents, and our graduates work in mining operations worldwide.
MERIT (Measured Excellence through Institutional Trust) is an accreditation body that has accredited FIPS as an approved provider, recognising our programmes as meeting its standards for measured excellence and institutional trust.
There is no formal memorandum of understanding between FIPS and UMaT. However, the Founder of FIPS, Dr. Festus Kunkyin-Saadaari, holds an academic appointment at UMaT as a Lecturer and Faculty Examinations Officer. Through this personal academic standing, he is positioned to issue proficiency and professional certifications to individuals who complete FIPS training programmes.

Admissions and Enrolment

FIPS programmes are open to working professionals, university graduates, technicians, supervisors, managers, and anyone seeking professional development in mining, engineering, safety, management, or applied sciences. Specific entry requirements vary by programme and are published in the programme prospectus.
Not necessarily. While some advanced programmes may require prior qualifications or professional experience, many FIPS programmes are accessible to candidates with WASSCE, technical diplomas, or relevant industry experience. Entry requirements are published for each programme.
Applications can be submitted through www.fips.ac or by contacting the FIPS admissions office directly. The application process typically involves completing an application form, submitting required documents (academic transcripts, identification, and professional references where applicable), and paying the applicable fees.
Yes. Many of our learners are sponsored by their employers, particularly those in the mining sector. FIPS works with corporate partners to design customised training packages, group enrolment arrangements, and invoicing structures that suit corporate sponsorship requirements.
Yes. FIPS has delivered tailored professional training programmes for personnel from major mining operators including AngloGold Ashanti, Newmont, and Gold Fields, as well as for professionals from companies operating in Mali, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cote d'Ivoire, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and beyond. Corporate training can be delivered on-site at company facilities, at the FIPS campus in Tarkwa, or through blended formats.

Fees and Payment

Programme fees vary depending on the level, duration, and mode of delivery. Current fee schedules are available on www.fips.ac or from the admissions office. FIPS is committed to offering premium-quality professional education at accessible price points.
FIPS accepts payments via bank transfer, mobile money, and other approved methods. Corporate clients may be invoiced directly. Specific payment instructions are provided upon enrolment.
In certain cases, instalment arrangements may be available for individual learners. Please contact the admissions office to discuss your circumstances.
FIPS may offer merit-based fee reductions or bursaries for exceptional candidates from time to time. Announcements regarding any available financial assistance will be made through our website and official channels.

The Learning Experience

FIPS programmes are facilitated by experienced academics, industry practitioners, and certified professionals. Our Founder, Dr. Kunkyin-Saadaari, leads facilitation in geotechnical and mining engineering domains. Guest facilitators from industry and partner organisations contribute specialised expertise.
FIPS uses a competence-based, industry-embedded approach. This includes lectures, case studies drawn from real mining operations, applied projects, laboratory work, site visits, group assignments, and practical assessments. We emphasise learning by doing, not learning by memorising.
Assessment methods vary by programme but typically include written examinations, practical assessments, case study analyses, project submissions, and oral presentations. For GEMCA belt certification, an independent examination is administered separately from the training delivery.
Yes. Practical exposure is central to the FIPS model. Depending on the programme, this may include laboratory sessions, field visits to operating mines, applied project work using real operational data, and interaction with industry professionals.
All FIPS programmes are delivered in English.

Partnerships and Accreditation

FIPS maintains active partnerships with three international bodies: iPED UK (for internationally recognised professional qualifications), the World Safety Organization (WSO) (for safety management and occupational health programmes), and MERIT (Measured Excellence through Institutional Trust) (which accredits FIPS as an approved provider).
CTVET accreditation is currently in progress. FIPS is actively working through the accreditation process to ensure our programmes meet all local regulatory requirements.
FIPS actively seeks partnerships with mining companies, engineering firms, industry associations, universities, and professional bodies. Partnership enquiries can be directed to the Executive Director through www.fips.ac.
Yes. FIPS has extensive experience delivering customised training for mining operators. We design bespoke programmes tailored to a company's specific operational needs, safety requirements, and workforce development objectives. Our training footprint spans 13 countries, and we have delivered programmes for personnel from AngloGold Ashanti, Newmont, Gold Fields, and other operators across West Africa and beyond.

The Founder and Leadership

FIPS was founded by Dr. Festus Kunkyin-Saadaari, a Lecturer in Mining Engineering and Faculty Examinations Officer at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa. He holds a PhD in Mining Engineering, has authored 12 peer-reviewed publications, and holds an active GHS 900,000 research grant for AI-driven mine reclamation research across Ghana and Zambia.
Yes. Dr. Kunkyin-Saadaari maintains his full-time academic appointment at UMaT, where he teaches Rock Mechanics, Soil Mechanics, Construction Materials, and related courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He also holds an adjunct appointment at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname. This dual role ensures that FIPS remains connected to cutting-edge academic research and university-level educational standards.
Yes. The FIPS Board provides strategic oversight and governance. The Board is chaired by Prof. B.M. Olaleye of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Nigeria, and includes academic, industry, and professional representatives.

Career Outcomes and Alumni

FIPS graduates are equipped with the practical competence, professional certification, and industry connections needed to advance in their careers. Our graduates work in mining operations, engineering consultancies, safety management, project management, and technical leadership roles across Ghana and internationally.
FIPS maintains strong relationships with mining companies and industry partners, and these connections often create employment and advancement opportunities for our graduates. Formal career support services are being developed as part of the Festari Opportunity Network (FON), which broadcasts professional opportunities through t.me/fonalerts.
Since we began operations in 2022, FIPS has trained over 1,300 professionals from mining operators and industrial companies across 13 countries, including Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo, Congo, Cameroon, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Australia, and the United States.
The Festari Professionals and Alumni Network (PANAF) is the alumni and professional community for FIPS graduates. PANAF provides networking opportunities, continuing professional development resources, and a platform for alumni to remain connected to the institution and to each other.

Contact and Next Steps

You can reach us through our website at www.fips.ac, by email, or by telephone. Contact details are published on the website.
The current programme catalogue and fee schedule are available on www.fips.ac. You may also request a copy by contacting the admissions office.
Follow FIPS on our official social media channels, subscribe to updates through www.fips.ac, and join the Festari Opportunity Network (FON) at t.me/fonalerts for professional opportunity alerts.
Submit a programme request form and our team will work with you to assess your workforce development needs, design a tailored programme, and deliver it at your site, at the FIPS campus, or through a blended format.
FIPS welcomes partnership discussions with universities, awarding bodies, accreditation organisations, and professional associations. Please contact the Executive Director through www.fips.ac with your proposal or expression of interest.
GET IN TOUCH

Visit, Call, or Message Us

Our team in Tarkwa is ready to answer your questions about programs, admissions, and fees.

Visit Us

Festari Institute of Professional Studies
Tamso Estate Road
Tarkwa, Western Region, Ghana

Call or WhatsApp

+233 24 069 9535

Email Us

info@fips.ac
Mon–Fri, 8:00am – 9:30pm GMT

CONTACT PAGE

Ready to start your programme?

Our admissions team can help you choose the right qualification — mining, oil & gas, technology, or safety. Free consultation available.

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FIPS Education Consultant
Est. 2020 · Tamso Study Hub, Tarkwa
GHS 105 Application Fee
QR-verified certificates at verify.fips.ac