Quantity surveyors (QS) manage the financial and contractual aspects of construction projects — estimating costs, preparing Bills of Quantities, managing tenders, and controlling budgets. In South Africa, a BSc Quantity Surveying (3–4 years) and ASAQS membership are required. QS professionals are in strong demand given South Africa's infrastructure spend.
Quantity surveyors prepare cost estimates and bills of quantities, evaluate contractor tenders, manage contract payments, handle variation orders, and control project budgets on construction sites.
Mathematics (Level 5+), Physical Sciences or Accounting (helpful), English (Level 4+)
Use the free Career Helper APS Calculator to calculate your exact score for each SA university.
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Programme names and requirements vary by institution. Always verify directly with the university before applying.
Achieve APS 26+ with Mathematics. BSc Quantity Surveying at UCT, Wits, TUT, CPUT, or DUT. The profession is accessible compared to other built-environment careers.
Complete the 3–4 year degree covering construction technology, contract law, measurement, and cost management. Complete in-service training at a QS firm.
Register with ASAQS (Association of South African Quantity Surveyors) and build experience as a Junior QS, then Professional Quantity Surveyor. Specialise in project management or commercial development.
What APS do I need for Quantity Surveying?
What do quantity surveyors earn in South Africa?
Is quantity surveying a good career in South Africa?
Salary ranges are indicative for South Africa 2026 based on market data. Actual salaries vary by employer, location, and experience.