Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
IGBE
Fees
AUD$ 39,400 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
International Admission by Country
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CRICOS Code
This program is not available to students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa
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Entry requirements
Applicants for the Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying are required to have:
Completed a Graduate Certificate in Building Surveying from UniSA or equivalent from a recognised University.
OR
Completed a Bachelor degree in built environment; civil engineering; structural engineering; building surveying; quantity surveying; construction management; or architecture from a recognised University. Applicants who have completed Bachelor degrees from other relevant disciplines will be considered on a case by case basis.English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:English language testPlease access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
Degree overview
- Develop the knowledge and skills to become a professional building surveyor in Australia.
- Gain a strong understanding of the construction industry and its key stakeholders.
- Focus on building processes and technology, construction law, and building regulations and codes.
- Benefit from flexible study with the program delivered completely online.
- Become a professional building surveyor with a broad understanding of the construction industry.
- Fulfils the requirements for Building Surveyor level accreditation by the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Snapshot
Prepare yourself for a responsible leadership role in the field of building surveying or lay the foundations for future study.
You will gain a strong understanding of the construction industry and its key stakeholders. Your studies will focus on building processes and technology, construction law, and building regulations and codes. This qualification fulfils the educational requirements for building surveyor accreditation by the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
This qualification is available online only. It is not available to international students studying in Australia under a student visa and can only be studied from your home country.
The graduate diploma is offered as part of a suite of two programs (graduate certificate and graduate diploma). Each qualification extends to the next. If you decide to exit having completed the first four courses, you will receive the Graduate Certificate in Building Surveying.
What you'll learn
You will gain a strong understanding of the construction industry and its key stakeholders. During your studies you will focus on:
- the complete building lifecycle, including building and asset management and maintenance
- the Australian legal system and the key principles of construction law
- common legal issues experienced on construction projects and the paths available for resolution
- fire technology
- the scientific principles of building surveying in the design and operation of building developments
You will also develop the skills to research and remain up-to-date with developments in construction law throughout your career, and the ability to write on construction law issues.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- assignments and reports
- projects
- examinations
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying
You will develop knowledge and understanding in building surveying, and practical skills that you can apply directly to your day-to-day work such as:
- the Australian legal system and key principles of construction law
- assessment and analysis of structures in buildings and the behaviour of the materials used in these structures
- key legal requirements for building surveyors
- fire engineering techniques for design and construction of buildings
- skills and techniques required for management of assets within a building and an organisation
Your career
Careers to consider:
- building surveyor: ensuring buildings are safe to occupy, energy efficient, accessible and meet all legal requirements as a statutory responsibility; assessing, certifying and inspecting building works; working in design, fire safety, energy efficiency and access solutions; supporting the legal process as educators and expert witnesses
- estimator: compiling cost estimates based on variables such as labour, materials and equipment; working out how much a project is likely to cost and creating budgets; analysing different quotes from sub-contractors and suppliers
- construction planner: developing time plans on construction projects so the project is completed safely, on time and within budget; thinking critically; working with managers and engineers to discuss progress and address issues that arise; organising the stages of construction development
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program meets the AIBS education requirements for a Level 1 unrestricted Building Surveyor.
This program is recognised as meeting the educational requirements for Level 1 Building Surveyor accreditation with The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Industry facts
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
Your study experience and support
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- career advice and mentoring
- help with student visas and health cover
- personal counselling
- academic counselling
- fees and finance help
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- accommodation services
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your program director
“Many notable and iconic structures in Adelaide’s skyline have involved our students and graduates. Our degrees provide students with leadership and technical skills to manage diverse projects, with many opportunities for students to advance and diversify their careers.”
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
