Introduction

Quantity Surveyors (QS) are the professionals who specializes in managing and controlling costs within the construction and building industry. They are also commonly referred to as ‘construction economists’ or ‘cost managers’. 

In New Zealand, professional quantity surveyors often hold qualifications from recognised institutions and are members of professional bodies such as the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS). They play a crucial role in the thriving construction sector, which includes residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. They work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to provide financial and contractual advice, ensuring the financial viability and success of projects.  

As the government’s commitment to addressing housing shortages and upgrading public infrastructure creates a steady demand for skilled professionals in this field, quantity surveyors are in high demand in New Zealand due to ongoing urban development, housing projects, and large-scale infrastructure investments. The average annual salary for Quantity Surveyor jobs in New Zealand ranges from $105,000 to $125,000. 

New Zealand’s immigration policies are favourable towards skilled professionals in high-demand occupations, including quantity surveyors. International students who complete a quantity surveying course in New Zealand can explore several pathways. 

Why Study Quantity Surveying in NZ?

World-Class Institutions 

New Zealand boasts reputable universities and polytechnics offering quantity surveying programs. Institutions such as Massey University, UNITEC and the Ara Institute of Canterbury provide comprehensive courses that are accredited by professional bodies like the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), ensuring that the education meets global standards and can be recognised internationally. 

Employment opportunities 

  • Growing Construction Sector: New Zealand’s booming construction industry, fuelled by urban development and infrastructure projects, creates a high demand for quantity surveyors. A 2019 report by the Auckland Council shows that by 2031, the population of the Greater Auckland area will grow from 1.65 million in 2018 to 2 million. The rapid population growth will inevitably lead to the flourishing of many industries in the region, expected to create over 200,000 job positions. The construction industry will see the most significant growth, with an increase of 70% over its current size, adding 56,000 new job opportunities. 
  • Skill Shortage: Quantity surveying is on New Zealand’s Green list, indicating a sustained need for skilled professionals in this field. 

Attractive Career Prospects 

  • Competitive Salaries: Graduates can expect attractive starting salaries, with significant potential for growth as they gain experience. According to the New Zealand Government’s employment information website Careers New Zealand, entry-level quantity surveyors usually earn between $48,000 and $100,000 a year; Experienced quantity surveyors can earn between $100,000 and $170,000. According to Seek New Zealand, the average annual salary for Quantity Surveyor jobs in New Zealand ranges from $105,000 to $125,000. 
  • Career Advancement: The demand for experienced quantity surveyors means there are ample opportunities for career advancement into senior and managerial roles. 

Migration Opportunities 

  • Post-Study Work Visas: International students can apply post-study work visa, allowing them to gain practical experience in New Zealand and paving the way for long-term employment and residency. 
  • Skilled Migrant Visa Pathways: Quantity surveying is recognised as a high-demand occupation, making it easier for graduates to qualify for various immigration pathways, including the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa. 

Programs for International Students

  • New Zealand Diploma in Construction (QS) 

The New Zealand Diploma in Construction (with QS strand) is equivalent to 2 years full-time study at NZQA Level 6. Student who has completed the NZ Diploma and has at least 1 year of QS experience in New Zealand, can apply to be an Affiliate member of NZIQS. 

 

Location   Institute 
Auckland  UNITEC
Tauranga   Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology 
Hamilton   Wintec — Waikato Institute of Technology 
Taranaki   WITT – Western Institute of technology 
Palmerston North  UCOL 
Wellington   Weltec — Wellington Institute of Technology 
Christchurch   Ara Institute  
Dunedin   Otago Polytechnic 
Invercargill   Southern Institute of Technology 

 

Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying 

There are six bachelor’s degrees offered in New Zealand that are accredited by NZIQS. Student can apply to become an Affiliate Member of NZIQS, once completed a NZ QS Degree. 

Postgraduate, Graduate Diploma, and Master Qualifications in Quantity Surveying 

This Postgraduate Diploma is designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to take on senior positions within the construction industry, given the appropriate experience. Graduates also have the option to pursue a Master degree, provided they meet the required academic performance standards.  

This Master degree offers an advanced level of education in quantity surveying, focusing on commercial and contractual management of construction projects. The program includes in-depth studies in construction law and research, blending theoretical principles with practical application. Graduates will be proficient in managing the contractual and financial aspects of large-scale and complex building and construction projects.  

This Graduate Diploma is a practical qualification tailored for degree-qualified professionals in the construction industry, such as architectural technologists and civil engineers, who wish to transition into quantity surveying. This program provides a pathway for professionals to change their career direction within the construction sector.  

This Graduate Diploma is targeted at construction professionals seeking to upgrade their qualifications and enhance their knowledge and skills. This program covers a range of topics including building modelling, contracts and management, quality management, sustainable technology, and construction methodologies. Students can specialise in Construction Management, Project Management, or Quantity Surveying, allowing them to tailor their education to their career goals. 

Top University for Quantity Surveying

Massey University stands out as a premier institution for studying Quantity Surveying in New Zealand, offering a comprehensive suite of programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Students can build up a robust educational foundation and advanced knowledge necessary for a successful career in the construction industry. Accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors, these programs ensure that graduates are recognized as highly qualified professionals ready to meet the demands of the industry. 

Entry Requirements for Quantity Surveying

New Zealand Diploma in Construction (QS) 

  • English requirement: International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an Academic IELTS score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5 (or equivalent). 
  • Academic requirement: International applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency. 

Bachelor’s Degree 

  • English requirement: International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an Academic IELTS score of 6.0 overall and minimum 5.5 in each band (or equivalent). 

English for Academic Purposes and Foundation Certificate are available with lower scores requirement. 

  • Academic requirement: To be admitted to an undergraduate qualification, you will need a minimum level of academic achievement from school, or another university or tertiary institution. The specific level depends on which country or region of the world you are from. 

Graduate Diploma 

  • English requirement: International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an Academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall and minimum 6.0 in each band (or equivalent). 
  • Academic requirement: To be admitted to a graduate diploma, you will need to have successfully completed a three-year diploma or undergraduate degree from a recognised tertiary institution.  

Postgraduate Diploma 

  • English requirement: International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an Academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall and minimum 6.0 in each band (or equivalent). 
  • Academic requirement: To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) applicants will have been awarded or qualified for: 
    • The Bachelor of Construction degree, or equivalent, or 
    • A relevant Bachelor’s degree followed by a relevant Postgraduate Certificate or an equivalent qualification. 

Master’s Degree  

  • English requirement: International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an Academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall and minimum 6.0 in each band (or equivalent). 
  • Academic requirement: To enter the Master of Construction (coursework pathway) applicants will: have been awarded or qualified for the Bachelor of Construction or equivalent qualification with a minimum grade average of B across the highest level courses; or have been awarded or qualified for the Bachelor of Construction or equivalent qualification and have completed at least two years of relevant post-study professional experience; or have been awarded or qualified for a construction related four year Bachelor with Honours degree or a Bachelor of Construction (Honours) or equivalent qualification; or have been awarded or qualified for the Bachelor of Construction followed by the Postgraduate Diploma in Construction or equivalent qualification with a minimum grade average of B over the contributing courses for the Postgraduate Diploma; or have been awarded or qualified for a relevant Bachelor’s degree followed by a relevant Postgraduate Certificate with a minimum grade average of B over the contributing courses for the Postgraduate Certificate, or equivalent. 

Tuition Fee for Quantity Surveying

New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) 

  • Tuition Fee Range: NZD 20,000 – 25,000 per year 

Bachelor Degree in Construction (Quantity Surveying) 

  • Tuition Fee Range: NZD 25,000 – 35,000 per year 

Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying 

  • Tuition Fee Range: NZD 20,000 – 30,000 per year 

Postgraduate Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) 

  • Tuition Fee Range: NZD 25,000 – 35,000 per year 

Master of Construction (Quantity Surveying) 

  • Tuition Fee Range: NZD 30,000 – 40,000 per year 

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on tuition fees, it is always recommended to check directly with the institutions offering the courses. 

Career Outcomes

Graduating with a qualification in Quantity Surveying opens up a diverse array of career opportunities in the construction industry. Here’s a look at the potential career outcomes: 

Estimator 

Role: Working for construction businesses, estimators play a crucial role in predicting project costs, ensuring that projects stay within budget. They analyse data and compile estimates for time, cost, materials, and labour. 

Quantity Surveyor 

Role: Employed by consultancies or directly within construction firms, quantity surveyors manage all costs related to building and civil engineering projects. Their goal is to minimize project costs while ensuring quality standards are met. 

Project Manager 

Role: Project managers oversee construction projects from inception to completion. They are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. 

Budgeting Specialist 

Role: Specialists in budgeting work on the financial aspects of construction projects, preparing tender and contract documentation, and conducting project appraisals. They ensure that financial planning and expenditure control are maintained throughout the project lifecycle. 

Migration Pathway

  • Green List for Quantity Surveyor 
Category  Green List Tier 1 
Occupational Group  Construction 
ANZSCO Code  233213 
ANZSCO Description  Estimates and monitors construction costs from the project feasibility stage, through tender preparation, to the construction period and beyond. Registration or licensing may be required. 
Green List Requirements  One of the following: 

  • A bachelor’s degree at NZQF Level 7, or a higher qualification with the minimum equivalent of 360 credits, which includes the requirements of a New Zealand major in quantity surveying or construction economics. 
  • Student or Affiliate Membership, or MNZIQS, of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (with an overseas degree approved by NZIQS). 
Minimum Pay Requirement  Hourly pay rate of $29.66. 
  • Residency Pathway 

To be eligible, applicants need to be employed by or have a job offer from an accredited employer. Applicants fulfill all the visa criteria can apply directly for a Straight to Residence Visa. 

FAQs

What qualifications do I need to become a Quantity Surveyor in New Zealand?

To become a Quantity Surveyor in New Zealand, you must complete at least New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level 6) with a strand in Quantity Surveying. You can also pursue a bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying or construction management (Level 7) to further your skills and enhance your career prospects.  

 

Can I work while studying Quantity Surveying in New Zealand?

 Yes, international students who enrolled in a full-time quantity surveying course in New Zealand can work up to 20 hours per week during the semesters and full-time during holidays.  

 

Can the spouse of a graduate who has studied the New Zealand Diploma in Construction with strands in Quantity Surveying (Level 6) apply for a work visa?

No, a spouse work visa is not supported for this qualification. Therefore, the program is aimed at single applicants. For those with families, pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in quantity surveying would be a better option.