VerifiedQuantity surveying is a specialized field within the construction industry that involves the measurement and costing of construction projects.
Quantity surveyors play a role in ensuring that projects are completed within budget by accurately estimating the cost of materials, labor, and equipment.
They often work closely with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget.
The average salary for a quantity surveyor in South Africa is R400,000 per year.
However, salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and specialization.
Career Opportunities in Quantity Surveying
Some career paths in quantity surveying include:
- Quantity Surveyor
- Senior Quantity Surveyor
- Cost Consultant
- Construction Project Manager
- Estimator
Fields of Study
In South Africa you qualify as a quantity surveyor with a BSc in Construction Studies or Quantity Surveying followed by an honours degree in quantity surveying, offered at universities such as UCT, UP, Wits, UFS, NMU and UKZN. Universities of technology such as CPUT, DUT and TUT offer diplomas and advanced diplomas.
Graduates register with the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP) as candidates, then as professional quantity surveyors after experience and an assessment.
Membership of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors, or of international bodies such as RICS, is optional and can help careers abroad.
Quantity Surveying Bursaries
Some bursaries to help fund your studies include:
- AECOM Bursary
- ASLA Bursary
- Arup Education Trust Bursary
- Grinaker-LTA Bursary
- Basil Read Bursary
- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Bursary
- Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Bursary
- CETA Thapelo Madibeng Bursary
- CHS Developments Bursary
- Concor Bursary
- Department of Public Works Bursary
- Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Bursary
- Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Bursary
- Foskor Bursary
- GAST Bursary
- Gauteng Dept of Infrastructure Development Bursary
- Group Five Bursary
- Hillary Construction Bursary
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary
- KwaDukuza Municipality Bursary
- KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursaries
- Leomat Construction Bursary
- Limpopo Department of Public Works Bursary
- Masakh’iSizwe (Department of Transport and Public Works) Bursary
- Master Builders Association Western Cape (MBAWC) Bursary
- Mhlathuze Water Bursary
- Mpumalanga Provincial Government Bursary
- Murray & Roberts Bursary
- Ndwedwe Local Municipality Bursary
- North West Provincial Government Bursaries
- Oasis Bursary
- Power Construction Bursary
- South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Bursary
- SEDISA Trust Bursary
- Silulumanzi Bursary
- SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-cdt) Bursary
- Stellenbosch Municipality Bursary
- Steve Tshwete Local Municipality Bursary
- WBHO Bursary
See also the SAPOA bursary, which closes on 30 September 2026, our construction bursaries and our built environment bursaries pages.