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Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying

Starts: July 2026
Madras Street
International Close Date: Please enquire

Develop your quantity surveying skills for a rapidly evolving industry.

This programme is designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in quantity surveying by equipping you with specialised occupation skill sets. It will enable you to perform with a strong sense of responsibility for your own practice and to be capable of effectively collaborating with other construction-related disciplines. During the programme you'll extend your technical, applied and legal knowledge and critically review practice within the construction industry. You'll also learn how to provide strategic, budgetary and financial advice on development options through the life cycle of a construction project, and how to apply elements of construction economic theory to provide advice on the risks and uncertainty associated with cost-related project outcomes. An industry project will allow you to apply your research and critical thinking skills.

The Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying is a practical option for degree-qualified architectural technologists and civil engineers who wish to change pathway within the construction industry.

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying are eligible to gain full membership of The New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors after two years of post-qualification work experience.

Please note: Students without prior timber-framed construction knowledge may be required to take an additional course, GXSM500, in their first semester. This course is self-funded (approx. $3,321.50) and is not covered by StudyLink.

Fees for 2026

Domestic Fee
$9,290 - $10,261 per year

A relevant New Zealand Bachelor's degree in a construction-related field, for example; BCon, BEng, BEngTech, BArch, BAS, or equivalent.

In addition you will be required to provide a curriculum vitae, transcript or portfolio to demonstrate your understanding of timber-framed construction technologies.

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

Applicants who have achieved University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

  • 5.5 Listening
  • 5.5 Reading
  • 5.5 Writing
  • 5.5 Speaking

Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted into the programme in the order that completed applications are received.

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Find out more

Career opportunities

As a graduate of this programme you will be equipped to work at middle management level within the construction industry. Potential roles include: quantity surveyor, registered quantity surveyor (with relevant experience), contracts supervisor/manager, estimator/cost planner, procurement manager, construction cost manager or quantity surveying academic.

Study pathways

Following the Graduate Diploma in Construction Management, you can pursue further tertiary study at post graduate level in the fields of construction management, project management or building science.

Recommended school subjects

  • Maths
  • English-rich subjects
  • English

Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying

Full-time - 1 Year (Part-time options available)

Develop your quantity surveying skills for a rapidly evolving industry.

Information
Type Graduate Certificate / Diploma
Code CH4062
Next starts July 2026
May be available for Study Visa? Yes
International application close date Please enquire
Credits 120
Level 7
Additional Equipment/Fees Advised on enrolment
May be eligible for Studylink? Yes
Available Part time Yes
Reference CH4062-QUAN

Fees for 2026

Domestic Fee
$9,290 - $10,261 per year
Enquire Now View Dates & Apply
Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying - July 2026 - Christchurch
Start date: 20 July 2026
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With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…

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Additional Entry Requirements

In addition you will be required to provide a curriculum vitae, transcript or portfolio to demonstrate your understanding of timber-framed construction technologies.

See overview for more

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.

Find out more

Documents

Area of Interest

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