Fees & Waivers
Transparent & Fair Pricing
Fee Summary
IJDHDS operates on a Gold Open Access model. We charge no submission fee and no reading fee. The only charge is an Article Processing Charge (APC), payable only upon acceptance.
| Fee Type | Amount | When Charged |
|---|---|---|
| Submission Fee | $0 (Free) | Never |
| Peer Review Fee | $0 (Free) | Never |
| Reading / Access Fee | $0 (Free) | Never |
| Article Processing Charge (APC) | $150 USD | On acceptance only |
| Waiver (Low-income countries) | 75% off | Request at submission |
| Waiver (Lower-middle-income countries) | 50% off | Request at submission |
Article Processing Charge
Standard APC
$150
USD per accepted article
Payable only after acceptance ยท no hidden fees
Why We Charge an APC
Open Access publishing is not free to produce. Our APC covers the operational costs of running the journal while keeping all content free to read for everyone. This model shifts the cost from readers to authors (or their funders), ensuring global access to research.
What the APC Covers
Your APC supports a wide range of services that make publication possible:
DOI Registration
Permanent DOI via Crossref for your article.
Copyediting & Typesetting
Professional formatting and language polishing.
Hosting & Archiving
Permanent hosting and digital preservation.
Indexing
Submission to DOAJ, Google Scholar, Scopus, AJOL.
Peer Review Coordination
Managing the review workflow via OJS.
Plagiarism Screening
iThenticate check for every submission.
What's Always Free
The following are always free, for every author, regardless of country or funding:
Manuscript Submission
Peer Review Process
Reading & Downloads
Sharing & Reuse
Citation Tracking
Copyright Retention
Waivers & Discounts
IJDHDS is committed to equitable access to publishing. We offer generous waivers based on the World Bank income classification of the author's country of affiliation.
Automatic Waiver
75%
For authors affiliated with institutions in low-income countries
Automatic Discount
50%
For authors affiliated with institutions in lower-middle-income countries
Case-by-Case Consideration
Authors facing financial hardship from any country may request a partial or full waiver. Each request is considered individually by the Editor-in-Chief. To apply, follow the steps in the How to Request section.
Country Income Tiers
Waivers are based on the World Bank Country Income Classifications. Below is a summary of the tiers and their corresponding APC.
| Income Tier | Waiver | APC You Pay | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Income | 75% | $37.50 | Chad, Somalia, South Sudan, Afghanistan |
| Lower-Middle Income | 50% | $75 | Nigeria, Kenya, India, Bangladesh, Ghana |
| Upper-Middle Income | Case-by-case | $150 (or less) | South Africa, Brazil, Turkey, Mexico |
| High Income | Not standard | $150 | USA, UK, Germany, Japan, Australia |
Note: The waiver applies to the corresponding author's primary affiliation. For full classification details, see the World Bank Country and Lending Groups.
How to Request a Waiver
Waiver requests are simple and informal. Follow these steps:
1
Submit Your Manuscript
Use the standard online submission system. Do not wait for a waiver decision before submitting.
2
Email the Editorial Office
Send an email to editor@ijdhds.org with subject line: "APC Waiver Request โ [Your Manuscript ID]".
3
Include Required Information
Provide: (1) Your full name; (2) Manuscript ID; (3) Your institution and country; (4) The waiver category you're requesting (75% or 50%); (5) Brief justification (1โ2 sentences).
4
Receive Decision
The Editor-in-Chief reviews your request within 5 business days and confirms the waiver in writing.
5
Proceed to Publication
If your manuscript is accepted, you pay only the remaining APC amount ($37.50 if 75% waived, or $75 if 50% waived) before publication.
Important
Waiver decisions do not affect the peer review process. Manuscripts are evaluated solely on academic merit. Requesting a waiver will not disadvantage your submission in any way.
Payment Methods
After acceptance and any applicable waiver, the corresponding author receives an invoice with instructions. We accept:
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Credit / Debit Card
Visa, Mastercard, Amex
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Bank Transfer
Direct wire transfer (USD)
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PayPal
For international payments
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Institutional Invoice
For universities / funders
Receipts: Official receipts are issued immediately upon payment. For institutional invoicing, provide your PO number and billing address.
Refund Policy
Because APC payments are made only after acceptance, refunds are rarely necessary. However, if a refund is requested:
Full Refund โ Before Publication
If you withdraw your accepted article before it is published, we issue a full refund minus any payment processing fees.
No Refund โ After Publication
Once an article is published and assigned a DOI, it becomes part of the permanent scholarly record. Refunds are not available at this stage.
Retraction Refunds
If an article is retracted due to our error, we issue a full refund. If retracted due to author misconduct, no refund is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay if my manuscript is rejected?
No. The APC is charged only if your manuscript is accepted for publication. Rejected manuscripts never incur a fee.
Can I pay in a currency other than USD?
Yes, we accept payments in most major currencies via card or PayPal. Bank transfers are typically made in USD. Contact the editorial office for specific currency arrangements.
Will my institution be invoiced directly?
Yes. If your institution or funder is paying, provide their billing details and we will issue an institutional invoice with your PO number.
Do waivers affect my manuscript's chances?
No. Waiver requests are processed separately from peer review. Editors and reviewers are not informed of who has requested a waiver.
Can I get a waiver as a PhD student?
Yes. PhD students from any country may apply for a case-by-case waiver. Include your supervisor's name and your expected graduation date in your request.
When is the APC due?
Payment is due within 30 days of receiving the acceptance letter. Publication proceeds once payment is confirmed.
Is there a discount for multiple submissions?
Yes. Authors submitting 2 or more manuscripts within a 12-month period qualify for a 10% discount on the second and subsequent APCs. Contact us for details.
Questions About Fees?
Contact our editorial office for clarifications on APCs, waivers, or payment arrangements.
Fair Pricing. Global Access.
No submission fee. No reading fee. Generous waivers available for authors worldwide.
Submit Your Manuscript โ