Do You Need a Journal Publication to Graduate? PhD Requirements Around the World

Earning a PhD is one of the highest academic achievements globally, representing years of research, dedication, and intellectual rigor. However, in many countries, obtaining a doctoral degree isn’t just about defending a thesis—it also involves meeting publication requirements set by universities or national education policies. For many PhD candidates, the question arises: Do I need a journal publication to graduate?

In this article, we’ll explore how different countries enforce research publication requirements, what types of journals are typically accepted, and practical guidance for students who want to ensure they meet these expectations.

Many countries have made journal publication a formal or de facto requirement for PhD graduation. Below is a detailed overview of notable examples:

• Historically, top Chinese universities required PhD candidates to publish at least one article in a peer-reviewed journal before graduation.

• Examples include Tsinghua University and Peking University, which until 2021 maintained such mandates.

• Publications were typically expected in indexed journals, often tracked by Scopus or Web of Science (WoS).

• Recent reforms have relaxed hard publication rules, but publication remains a strong expectation.

• Doctoral programs in Vietnam increasingly require scientific publications for PhD graduation.

• University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) expects candidates to publish at least one article in a Scopus-indexed journal.

• Vietnam National University Hanoi (UET and VNU) encourages publications in prestigious journals or top-tier conferences as part of doctoral research.

• National regulations emphasize that scientific publications are essential for graduation and academic recognition, aligning Vietnam’s PhD programs with international standards.

• Many doctoral programs require refereed journal publications.

• Yıldız Technical University (Istanbul): PhD candidates must have at least one article published or accepted in a national or international refereed journal.

• Uludağ University (Bursa): Science and Health PhDs must publish at least one original research article in an SCI/SSCI/AHCI-indexed journal.

• Social sciences and education programs have comparable requirements, including national or internationally indexed journals.

• Many Spanish universities require PhD candidates to have at least one published or accepted article before graduation.

• Examples include University of Barcelona and Complutense University of Madrid, which expect publications to be in peer-reviewed journals.

• Accepted journals are typically indexed in Scopus or Web of Science (WoS) to ensure international visibility.

• While not all faculties mandate it, publication is strongly recommended for career progression and academic recognition.

• Certain French doctoral programs require PhD candidates to submit at least one accepted or published article to graduate.

• Examples: École Polytechnique, Sorbonne University; STEM and medical fields often set stricter standards.

• Journals should be internationally indexed (Scopus/WoS) to demonstrate research quality and impact.

• Italian universities increasingly encourage or require publication before thesis defense.

• Examples: Sapienza University of Rome, Politecnico di Milano; requirements vary by faculty.

• Accepted journals: peer-reviewed international journals indexed in Scopus or WoS.
  Some programs allow local journals, but international indexing is preferred for visibility.

• Doctoral programs in Portugal expect at least one peer-reviewed publication prior to graduation.

• Examples: University of Lisbon, University of Porto; STEM fields often require more than one.

• Journals should be Scopus or Web of Science indexed to ensure international recognition.

• Students often seek assistance for native-English editing and APC payments.

• Polish universities are increasingly requiring PhD candidates to publish in peer-reviewed journals.

• Examples: University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University; requirement depends on faculty and discipline.

• Preferred journals: internationally indexed (Scopus/WoS); some local refereed journals may be accepted.

• Certain Greek universities mandate or strongly recommend publication before PhD defense.

• Examples: National Technical University of Athens, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

• Accepted journals: peer-reviewed journals indexed internationally (Scopus/WoS).
  Students often rely on external support for language editing and APC coverage.

• University of Malaya (UM): Publication rules vary by faculty.

  • Faculty of Engineering: PhD candidates must publish two refereed articles or one research + one review in Web of Science–indexed journals.

  • Master’s students in technical fields must publish at least one WoS-indexed research article.

• Across Malaysian universities, at least one publication is generally required for PhDs, often in Scopus or WoS-indexed journals.

• In 2012, a formal publication mandate was introduced.

• Undergraduate students must publish in any recognized scientific journal, Master’s students in a nationally accredited journal, and PhD students in an internationally indexed journal.

• Typically, PhD students publish in Scopus or WoS-indexed journals.

• Many Thai universities require publications for PhD graduation.

• Chulalongkorn University (Electrical Engineering PhD):

  • Thesis-only route: two journal articles, at least one in an international journal.

  • Coursework route: at least one international article.

• Other universities, including Mahidol University, also require thesis work to be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Meeting publication requirements can be challenging, especially for international students or non-native English speakers. Here’s a practical guide:

Conclusion

PhD publication requirements are a growing trend worldwide, particularly in countries like China, Turkey, Malaysia, Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand, Dominican Republic, and Kazakhstan. For doctoral students, understanding these rules is critical for graduation planning and career development.

Key takeaways:

• Most PhD programs require at least one peer-reviewed publication before defense.

• Indexed journals, such as Scopus or WoS, are typically preferred.

• STEM and medical fields often require more publications than social sciences or humanities.

• Planning early, selecting the right journals, and professional support can streamline the process.

Publishing your research is not just a graduation formality—it’s a stepping stone to a successful academic or professional career. With the right preparation and guidance, you can meet university requirements, enhance your research impact, and confidently graduate with your PhD.