BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Verification of academic degrees and diplomas from Chinese universities and colleges will be free of charge starting Sunday, according to a statement by the Ministry of Education.

The verification, carried out by authorities under the ministry, is required by many employers in China to guard against fabricated academic credentials.

Information of academic degrees and diplomas can be accessed online and verified digitally, the statement said.

The ministry will simplify the verification process and enhance service quality, the statement said.