APC waiver policy

At Scholastic Open Access, we strive to make high-quality research accessible to readers worldwide. To support this goal, we offer a partial waiver policy for Article Processing Charges (APCs) to authors who may face financial constraints. Scholastic Open Access does not provide full (100%) APC waivers; however, partial waivers or discounts may be considered based on eligibility and individual circumstances.

This policy outlines the criteria, application process, and terms under which APC reductions may be granted to authors submitting manuscripts to our open-access journals.

Purpose of APC Waivers

The APC Waiver Policy aims to:

• Promote Inclusivity: Support researchers from institutions or regions with limited funding resources, ensuring that financial constraints do not completely hinder the dissemination of their research.
• Encourage High-Quality Research: Facilitate the publication of valuable research by authors who might otherwise struggle to afford APCs.
• Support Global Research: Enhance the visibility and dissemination of research from diverse geographic locations, contributing to a more inclusive global academic community.

Eligibility Criteria

Partial APC waivers or discounts may be considered based on the following criteria:

Financial Need

• Authors from low- and middle-income countries, as defined by the World Bank, may be eligible for partial APC waivers.
• Authors affiliated with institutions or funding bodies with limited resources may also apply.

Institutional Affiliation

• Authors from institutions or organizations with limited access to funding for publication fees may be considered for APC support.

Individual Circumstances

• Early-career researchers, independent researchers, and those with extenuating personal circumstances may also qualify for partial APC waivers.

Application Process

Submission of Request:

Authors requesting an APC reduction should submit a formal waiver request along with their manuscript submission or before the final publication decision.

The request should include a brief statement explaining the financial need and any relevant supporting documentation, if available.

Review of Requests:

APC waiver requests will be assessed individually by the publisher or its designated administrative team based on the eligibility criteria and the information provided by the authors.

Waiver decisions are made independently of the editorial and peer-review processes.

Notification:

Authors will receive formal notification of the waiver decision. If a partial waiver is granted, the approved reduction will be reflected in the APC invoice. Authors remain responsible for paying the remaining publication charge.

Terms and Conditions

• Partial Waivers Only: Scholastic Open Access does not provide full (100%) APC waivers. Authors are required to pay the remaining portion of the applicable APC after any approved reduction.
• Confirmation of Waiver: Approved waivers will be communicated to the corresponding author before the APC payment is requested.
• Editorial Independence: APC waiver decisions do not influence manuscript evaluation, peer review, acceptance, or rejection decisions.
• Review and Appeals: Authors may appeal a waiver decision if they believe their request has not been fully considered. Appeals should be submitted in writing to the respective journal's editorial office, along with any additional relevant information or supporting documentation.
• Final Decision: Scholastic Open Access reserves the right to approve or reject waiver requests based on eligibility, available support, and the information provided by the authors.

Contact Us

For questions about the APC Waiver Policy or to submit a waiver request, please contact:

Scholastic Open Access

info@scholasticopen.in