Thirteen Chinese government-funded and administered education centres based at Australian universities are facing increased scrutiny from the federal government, which has warned they might be subject to the new foreign influence transparency scheme.

The Confucius Institute cultural and language education centres have received letters from the Attorney-General's Department, alerting them to the introduction of the transparency regime, one of the measures put in place by the government in a bid to crack down on foreign interference and influence in Australia.

There are Confucius Institutes at 13 Australian universities. Credit:Bryan O'Brien

The centres are joint ventures between the host universities and Hanban, a Chinese government entity that provides funding, staff and other support. While the arrangements vary between institutions, critics are worried about China's control over curriculum decisions, censorship of sensitive issues and broader influence at the universities, warning the facilities pose a threat to academic freedom.

The 13 institutes were among hundreds of organisations to be directly contacted by the government over the new laws. Asked about Confucius Institutes specifically on Tuesday, Attorney-General Christian Porter said registration was initially something for entities to consider themselves.