Discover how to publish your research in Scopus journals without high fees. Learn how to find free and low-APC Scopus journals, understand the difference between paid and free journals, and explore SITA Academy’s affordable publication services that help researchers publish quickly and cost-effectively.
One of the challenges researchers face is the high cost of publication, especially when choosing journals that charge elevated Article Processing Charges (APCs). For researchers who want quality Scopus publication without overspending, finding affordable or no-APC journals is the smartest path.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to find journals with no APC, how to identify low-cost Scopus journals, whether these journals are reputable, and the real differences between free and paid journals. In the end, we introduce how SITA Academy helps researchers publish affordably while ensuring quality and compliance.
High APC fees—sometimes reaching hundreds or thousands of dollars—can be a barrier for many researchers, especially:
graduate students
researchers without funding
academics in countries with limited research budgets
early-career researchers
professionals seeking promotion or academic recognition
This is why choosing no-APC or low-APC Scopus journals helps you save significantly while still achieving international publication.

Many reputable Scopus journals do not charge authors any fees. These are usually funded by academic institutions, research organizations, universities, or professional scientific societies. To find them, follow these strategies:
Go directly to the journal’s website and look for:
"APC",
"Author fees", or
"Publication charges".
If the journal says "No fees" or “Free of charge,” it is a no-APC journal.
The official Scopus website provides a searchable list of indexed journals.
Steps:
Search the journal name.
Visit the homepage link provided.
Verify that “No APC” is mentioned.
Journals owned by professional associations (e.g., medical societies, engineering societies) are often fully funded and do not charge authors.
If a journal has a very fast acceptance time and does not clearly mention APCs, be cautious. A genuine no-APC journal is transparent and professional.
If you cannot find a free journal, the next option is low-APC journals, which usually charge below $200–400 USD.
To identify them:
Some publishers are known for affordable APCs:
University presses
Regional research organizations
Small academic publishers
These journals tend to focus on academic quality rather than profit.
For example:
“Low APC Scopus journal engineering”
“Scopus journal with low fee nursing”
These search queries often lead to lists of affordable journals.
APC information is always listed in the instructions for authors. If APC is very low compared to major publishers, it is considered a low-cost option.
Yes. Many free and low-APC journals are highly reputable and academically strong. They maintain standard peer-review processes and are listed in Scopus due to meeting strict indexing criteria.
However, keep this in mind:
Some are excellent; some may have slower publication timelines due to high submission volume.
APC does NOT guarantee quality. Many high-APC journals are commercial.
If a journal is indexed in Scopus:
its editorial board has passed evaluation
its citation metrics meet standards
its reviewing and publishing ethics are checked regularly
Because Scopus evaluates journals frequently, predatory journals have difficulty staying indexed.

Free journals charge nothing for submission or publication.
Paid journals charge APC fees ranging from $100 to $3,000+.
Free journals are funded by universities, societies, or institutions.
Paid journals are often funded through APCs.
Paid journals sometimes offer faster processing.
Free journals may take longer due to high submission volume.
Free journals often have lower acceptance rates because many researchers prefer them.
Paid journals may have higher acceptance rates depending on demand.
Free journals may be subscription-based, with optional paid open access.
Paid journals typically provide open access.
Both free and paid journals can be Q1, Q2, Q3, or Q4.
Prestige depends on the journal’s metrics, not its APC.
If you want to save money while publishing in Scopus journals, SITA Academy provides full support to help you achieve strong, fast, and affordable publications.
Here’s what our Affordable Scopus Publication Services include:
We help you find:
No-APC Scopus journals
Low-APC Scopus journals
Journals matching your research field, timeline, and quartile goals
You tell us your requirements, and we match your paper with the most suitable options.
Before submission, we ensure your paper meets:
Journal guidelines
Technical and formatting standards
Citation and reference requirements
English academic quality
Ethical publication rules
This increases your chances of acceptance and reduces revision requests.
We format your paper exactly according to:
journal author guidelines
referencing style
figure and table specifications
structure and layout rules
Then we handle the submission process for you.
This includes:
submitting your paper
monitoring the progress until acceptance
You stay updated, but we manage everything for you.
Unlike other services, SITA Academy focuses specifically on journals that are:
free
low-cost
suitable for students and early-career researchers
We help you publish without spending unnecessary money.
We specialize in Scopus and WoS journals
We understand academic requirements
We work with genuine, reputable journals—no predatory options
We offer transparent pricing
We assist researchers from all fields
We support students with limited budgets
We prioritize journals with reasonable or no APC fees
Thousands of researchers trust SITA Academy for reliable publication support.

Publishing in Scopus does not have to be expensive. Many high-quality journals charge no APC or offer very low fees, and with the right guidance, you can publish affordably and successfully.
By choosing our Affordable Scopus Publication Services, you can:
save on publication fees
publish in reputable Scopus journals
avoid predatory journals
ensure your paper meets all academic standards
receive complete support until acceptance
If you have any questions, inquiries, or would like to learn more about our services, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you.