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. 

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. 

• 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. 

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. 

• Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying) – Massey University, Albany, Auckland 
• Bachelor of Construction (Construction Economics) – UNITEC, Auckland
• Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying) – Ara Institute of Canterbury, Christchurch 
• Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying) – Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin 
• Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying) – Future Skills Academy/Otago Polytechnic, Auckland 
• Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying) – Southern Institute of Technology, Invercargill 

Postgraduate, Graduate Diploma, and Master Qualifications in Quantity Surveying 

• Postgraduate Diploma in Construction (QS) – Massey University (Albany) 

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.  

• Master of Construction (QS) – Massey University (Albany) 

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.  

• Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying – Ara Institute of Canterbury, Christchurch 

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.  

• Graduate Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) – Southern Institute of Technology, Invercargill 

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. 

• Massey University 

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. 

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.