Confucius Institute

Basic Application Requirements for Establishing a Confucius Institute

Acknowledgement of the purposes and attributes of the Confucius Institute

The Confucius Institute aims to promote the spread of the Chinese language, deepen people’s understanding of the Chinese language and culture worldwide, push forward educational cooperation and cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world, and enhance understanding between different groups of people across the world. It is a non-profit education program jointly founded by all of its partners in compliance with the principles of mutual respect, friendly consultation, equality, and mutual benefit.

The foreign applying institutions must independently or jointly meet the following requirements:

A legal entity registered in accordance with local law;

Qualified for the operation of Confucius Institute-related businesses and activities;

There is a demand for learning Chinese in their regions or the regions where their businesses are provided;

Equipped with necessary software and hardware for the running of a Confucius Institute, including venue facilities, equipment, personnel, etc.;

Able to provide other necessary guarantees for the continuous and stable operation of the Confucius Institute.

Chinese applicant institutions must independently or jointly meet the following requirements:

A legal entity registered in accordance with Chinese law;

Qualified and able to support the Confucius Institute-related businesses and activities run by a foreign partner institution;

Able to arrange teaching and management personnel necessary for the development of the Confucius Institute in a continuous manner;

Able to provide other necessary guarantees for the continuous and stable operation of the Confucius Institute in cooperation with a foreign partner institution.

Flowchart of the Application Process for Establishing a Confucius Institute

Joint Application by Both the Chinese and Foreign Partner Institutions

Chinese and foreign partner institutions that meet the basic requirements must submit application materials

to the CIEF.

Expert review organized by the CIEF

The CIEF communicates with the applicants about the review results and notifies in writing the applicants who have been newly accepted as operators of the Confucius Institute.

The Confucius Institute is put into operation with the issuance of the nameplate by the CIEF.

The CIEF issues the letter of authorization to the Chinese and foreign partner institutions.

Relevant parties sign the cooperation agreement for establishing a Confucius Institute.

Joint Application by Both the Chinese and Foreign Partner Institutions

Chinese and foreign partner institutions that meet the basic requirements must submit application materials

to the CIEF.

The CIEF communicates with the applicants about the review results and notifies in writing the applicants who have been newly accepted as operators of the Confucius Institute.

Expert review organized by the CIEF

Relevant parties sign the cooperation agreement for establishing a Confucius Institute.

The CIEF issues the letter of authorization to the Chinese and foreign partner institutions.

The Confucius Institute is put into operation with the issuance of the nameplate by the CIEF.

Independent Application by Foreign Partner Institutions

Foreign partner institutions that meet the basic requirements must submit application materials

to the CIEF.

Expert review organized by the CIEF

The CIEF communicates with the applicants about the review results and consults with the newly accepted operators of the Confucius Institute to determine their Chinese partner institution.

The Confucius Institute is put into operation with the issuance of the nameplate by the CIEF.

The CIEF issues the letter of authorization to the Chinese and foreign partner institutions.

Relevant parties sign the cooperation agreement for establishing a Confucius Institute.

The CIEF notifies in writing the Chinese and foreign partner institutions who are newly accepted as operators of the Confucius Institute.

Independent Application by Foreign Partner Institutions

Foreign partner institutions that meet the basic requirements must submit application materials

to the CIEF.

The CIEF communicates with the applicants about the review results and consults with the newly accepted operators of the Confucius Institute to determine their Chinese partner institution.

Expert review organized by the CIEF

The CIEF notifies in writing the Chinese and foreign partner institutions who are newly accepted as operators of the Confucius Institute.

Relevant parties sign the cooperation agreement for establishing a Confucius Institute.

The Confucius Institute is put into operation with the issuance of the nameplate by the CIEF.

The CIEF issues the letter of authorization to the Chinese and foreign partner institutions.

*The application for an independent Confucius Classroom is subject to the same process described above.