Become a QS / Study quantity surveying

Study quantity surveying

To qualify as a Quantity Surveyor, you can gain a New Zealand Diploma in Construction (QS), Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying or Construction Economics, Postgraduate, Graduate or Masters in QS. 

You can take on entry-level roles with either kind of qualification. If you obtain a New Zealand Diploma, you can go on to complete the degree programme, and may be able to cross-credit some of your papers.

With a Bachelor's degree you can go on to study for a Postgraduate Diploma or a Masters.

You can study as you begin your career, or retrain for a new career. You can study part or full-time, and can study while gaining experience in the construction industry. While studying you can become a Student Studying member of NZIQS.

Before You Enroll

If you're at secondary school, we recommend you study to Year 13 level in at least one Maths and one Science subject. Other useful subjects include English, Computing and Economics. You can obtain information about specific entrance requirements from your chosen education provider. 

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. You can study part-time at any of the listed education providers, and via distance learning at participating universities.

Most providers will allow for Recognition of Prior Learning if you have extensive knowledge and skills from practical experience. If you have completed the NZ Diploma and have at least 1 year of QS experience in NZ, you can apply to be an Affiliate member of NZIQS.

Student Awards

The NZIQS NZ Diploma Student Award is awarded to a 2nd year student member at each of the tertiary providers offering the NZ Diploma in Construction (QS). The award is worth $250 and a certificate. See list previous award winners

Quantity Surveying Degree

There are six Bachelor degrees offered in New Zealand that are accredited by NZIQS. Once you have completed a NZ QS Degree, you can apply to become an Affiliate Member of NZIQS.

Where you can study in New Zealand

NZIQS only accredits the courses listed below for membership qualifications. If you are planning to study at a university not listed below, please check if they are NZQA accredited by clicking here and searching the name of the institution, and that their requirements and timelines align with comparable courses (for example, a course of 4 weeks is not comparable to a 2 year diploma). 

If an institute is not NZQA accredited, we may not be able to admit you as a member of NZIQS using qualifications from that provider. 

Auckland — UNITEC Institute of Technology,  Future Skills Academy,  Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus  and Northtec Auckland International Campus

Auckland — Imperial College of New Zealand 

 Auckland — Auckland College of Tertiary Studies | Hybrid, Blended

Tauranga — Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology (formerly Bay of Plenty Polytechnic) 

Hamilton — Wintec — Waikato Institute of Technology

Taranaki - WITT - Western Institute of technology

Palmerston North - UCOL

Wellington — Weltec — Wellington Institute of Technology

Christchurch — Ara Institute of Canterbury 

Christchurch — Talent International Institute (International Student applicants)  

Dunedin —Otago Polytechnic 

Invercargill — Southern Institute of Technology

 Distance Learning Nationwide — the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand

Get more information

Find out more about quantity surveying as a career:

CareersNZ  - Information on careers

MBIE - Occupation Outlook for Quantity Surveyors

Next Steps magazine