Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology says it is committed to ensuring all its students can continue their studies.
But the polytechnic's chief executive, Kay Giles, says the state of its buildings is unknown because they are inside the cordoned-off area of the city.
She says the polytechnic is planning for the worst but hoping for the best.
Ms Giles says the institute is trying to contact all of its 18,000 students.
She says students should monitor its website, www.cpit.ac.nz
