New Zealand Diploma in Surveying

Summary

Enter into the highly employable world of surveying and geospatial science, and you’ll enjoy a varied and outdoorsy career that involves interacting regularly with other businesses and sectors.

Surveyors have to be skilled in both measurement and resource management. They collect and analyse information about land, water, and other natural resources. They help manage our environment by mapping the earth and the sea floor, establishing property boundaries, and providing accurate data for engineering works.

The New Zealand Diploma in Surveying will develop your knowledge and skills in a wide range of topics, including:

• Geodetic surveying
• Cadastral surveying
• Engineering Surveying
• Mapping
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• Satellite navigation systems
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Data management and land administration

Highlights

• Unitec’s New Zealand Diploma in Surveying is recognised and supported by Survey and Spatial New Zealand. Successful completion of the programme enables you to apply for associate membership to the Survey and Spatial New Zealand.
• A nationally recognised qualification that equips you with the skills to work as a land surveyor
• A highly employable profession in New Zealand
• Emphasis on practical assignments, including a lot of time outdoors
• Access to the latest surveying equipment and technology
• A focus on technology: because surveyors have to be up-to-date with the latest technology, you’ll further your computer skills and learn to use surveying software
• Well-connected to industry: our advisory boards include experts who keep us up-to-date with industry trends and relevant legislation. We’re also well-connected with all the top surveying employers in Auckland who are very keen to employ our students.

Qualification and what’s next

Once you’ve completed this programme pathway, you’ll receive the New Zealand Diploma in Surveying qualification.

Career Options

• CAD operator
• Engineering surveyor
• Survey project manager
• Surveyor
• Tunnelling and mining surveyor

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$8,300

(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students

$26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save upto $2,000 (NZD) with Unitec International Study Grant 2026.Terms and conditions apply.

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun

Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

Downloads and resources

Programme regulations - New Zealand Diploma in Surveying Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students