Adelaide University
Graduate Certificate in Building Surveying
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Learn the fundamentals of building surveying in only six months of online full-time study.
Course overview
This program is designed for professionals in the construction industry looking to advance their careers through professional study.
Gain expertise in construction methodologies, technological innovations, building regulations and the roles and responsibilities within the industry. Develop a solid understanding of Australia’s legal system and construction law while mastering the evaluation of building structures and material performance.
You’ll deepen your understanding of the construction industry, focusing on key stakeholders and gaining insights into building surveying. Explore building processes and technology, construction law and building regulations and codes. This program is delivered online only.
Please note you will need to complete further study to register as a building surveyor. Use this graduate certificate as a pathway to the Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying, which fulfils the educational requirements for Building Surveyor level accreditation by the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Key features
- Build strong knowledge of the construction industry and its key players.
- Gain the expertise needed to become a qualified building surveyor in Australia.
- Explore construction methods, technology, legal frameworks and regulatory codes.
- Study in your own time with all courses delivered online.
- Learn from world-class industry leaders and academics.
- Achieve your study goals sooner with the six-month graduate certificate.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
July, 2026
What you will study
Students must complete 24 units comprising four core courses. Each course is worth six units.
Core courses
- Introduction to Construction Law
- The Constructed Environment
- Building Structures and Materials
- Building Surveying (UniSA)
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
- A completed bachelor's 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's degrees from other relevant disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis; OR
- A minimum of six years of relevant industry experience. Applicants must provide a detailed curriculum vitae and written employer reference/s. The employer reference should state the period of employment and roles undertaken in order to ascertain the relevance.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
You might apply building codes, regulations and legislations to new constructions and renovations. You might monitor construction progress to identify defects or non-compliance issues early, helping mitigate costly delays or legal repercussions. Perhaps you’ll play the essential part in liaising with architects, builders, developers, local councils and regulatory authorities to streamline building approvals and uphold public safety.
Careers to consider include:
- Building Surveyor
- Estimator
- Construction Planner
This graduate certificate is only a pathway to registration as a Level 2 Building Surveyor. The Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying fulfils the educational requirements for Building Surveyor level accreditation by the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Fees and CSP
Estimated student contribution amount per 0.5 EFTSL (24 units) in 2026: $4,768.50 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Commonwealth-supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
A Commonwealth Supported Place is a higher education place where the Australian Government subsidises your fees so that you only pay a portion through a student contribution amount.
The amount of student contribution you’ll pay depends on:
- Number of courses you are enrolled in.
- Unit value of courses.
- Funding cluster your courses fall under.
A HECS-HELP loan allows students to borrow from the Australian Government to cover some or all of their student contribution. To be eligible for HECS-HELP, you must be studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place.