Ara Institute Of Canterbury Quantity Surveying

Gain the expertise and specialist skills needed for a career in quantity surveying.

Please note: this qualification replaces the National Diploma in Construction. If you’ve started but not yet completed the National Diploma, talk to us about cross crediting to the New Zealand Diploma.



This two-year programme will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to work as a quantity surveyor, on both residential and commercial building projects.

It covers means measurement, estimating and cost planning, as well as procurement, programming and financial administration of contracts. Work experience components are included in the second year of the programme for full-time students.

Work experience components are included in the second year of the programme.

This is a flexible programme designed to enable you to continue to study part-time, should you find relevant work prior to completion. For example, most classes are available in the late afternoon and evening, as well as during the day.

The programme is recognised and accredited by professional bodies, including NZIQS and NZIOB, enabling graduates to progress to professional membership and gain Registered QS and/or Chartered Building Professional status. NZIQS is a member of Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS) and has reciprocal agreements for membership with institutes in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Canada and Japan.

Fees for 2021

International costs $22,560 per year

International Levy $523.50 per year

Academic Requirements

NCEA Level 2 which must include: 12 credits in Literacy Level 1 or above and 12 credits in Mathematics (excluding Statistics) Level 2 or above



If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Alternative Requirements

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.

English Requirements

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 English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • 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.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
  • 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.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.


Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

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