Northumberland College, Sunderland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form have suspended face-to-face learning for all university-level courses and adult provision with immediate effect.
Education Partnership North East has announced the suspension follows new government advice on social contact and mobility as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The restrictions come into effect on Tuesday and impacts those studying HNDs, HNCs, foundation degrees, top-up degrees and courses for adults (aged 19+) such as maths and English, Access to HE, hobby courses and professional qualifications.
Distance learning courses and further education, including vocational courses and A-Levels, remain unaffected.
The college aims to continue its adult and university-level learning once again after the Easter break on April 20.
Ellen Thinnesen, chief executive of Education Partnership North East, said: "These are, without a doubt, unprecedented times during which our priority is to protect our students and staff and their respective families.
"We have robust plans and procedures in place to maintain the majority of our curriculum delivery and business critical functions to support staff and students, however, this break in adult and higher education learning will enable us to put further contingency plans in place, including the development of remote learning aids, so study can continue off-site if necessary."
The college group has also cancelled all non-essential college events, plus third party and private hire events using its facilities.
Commercial enterprises which provide students with a realistic working environment and include hair and beauty salons, restaurants and a travel agency, will be closed to the public from Wednesday morning.
College campuses will no longer cook hot meals with catering to be limited to pre-packaged food.
The colleges across Education Partnership North East confirmed it has had no confirmed cases of Covid-19.
