A man has been taken to Christchurch Hospital with critical injuries after being hit by a bus near the University of Canterbury on Thursday. (FILE PHOTO).

A University of Canterbury student was critically injured when he was hit by a bus outside the university.

Emergency services attended the incident at the intersection of Ilam Rd and Homestead Ln just before 9.45pm on Thursday.

St John spokesman Gerard Campbell said a 20-year-old man was taken to Christchurch Hospital's emergency department with critical injuries.

Red Bus chief executive Paul McNoe said it appeared the student was not on a pedestrian crossing when he walked across the road..

He understood the man was partially across the road when he stopped in front of the bus.

"It was unclear why he has stopped. Further investigations will clarify that."

He did not believe there was any issue with bus and said the environmental conditions were fine.

"We can say with certainty the bus was travelling at about 45kmh, we know that from the telematics data that it was travelling on normal dry conditions."

Red Bus was assisting police with their investigation on Friday.

"We have provided them with camera footage and telematic data."

McNoe said the bus driver was shaken up after the incident.

"We've covered his work for the day and we have an employee assistance program that will be offered to him."

McNoe said he could not comment further until the police had finished their investigation.

The serious crash unit was at the scene investigating on Friday morning.

A University of Canterbury spokeswoman said the university would support the student, his family and his peers.

Canterbury District Health Board spokeswoman Jendy Harper said the student was in a stable condition in Christchurch Hospital's intensive care unit on Friday.

Do you have more information? Email jonathan.guildford@stuff.co.nz

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