Career guide

Surveyor

Investigative

Measures and maps land and structures precisely - boundaries, levels, volumes - for construction, mining and property. Fieldwork with instruments plus office computation.

This career needs Core Mathematics.
Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for it at South African universities. This choice is made in Grade 9, for Grade 10 — and it is very difficult to reverse later. If this career is on your list, take Core Mathematics.

School subjects

Mathematics (NOT Mathematical Literacy) and Physical Sciences are required.

How you qualify

Three tertiary routes exist - a BSc (Geomatics/Surveying), a BTech, or a National Diploma. After qualifying you work as a professional surveyor in training, complete prescribed training and pass a law examination in land-related law before applying to register. Note that responsibility for the geomatics profession has moved from PLATO to the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC), so check current requirements with the SAGC rather than older sources. Registration is compulsory to practise. Entry requirements differ by institution - confirm directly with the institution.

Where to study

Universities and Universities of Technology; registration with the SAGC (formerly PLATO) compulsory to practise

Before you decide. Entry requirements change every year and differ between institutions. We do not publish admission point scores here, because a number that is right for one university in one year is wrong for another. Confirm the requirements directly with the institution before your subject selection form is signed. In KwaZulu-Natal, applications go through the Central Applications Office (cao.ac.za).

Last verified: 2026-08

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