A decision will be made after daylight whether exams will still go ahead at Massey University's Wellington and Palmerston North campuses.
The university tweeted soon after the big quake just after midnight that buildings were being checked by staff.
"At this stage both will open today and exams will go ahead," they tweeted.
However, Massey spokesman James Gardiner said just before 6am it was possible exams could be cancelled, especially if public transport was not running. Rail services have been cancelled in Wellington today.
"We'll do an inspection in daylight and then notify people as soon as we can."
