Waiver Policy
Waiver Policy
IJLMAS is committed to the principle that financial circumstances should not be a barrier to scholarly publication. The journal is currently in an indefinite launch-period APC waiver (see Article Processing Charges). When a regular APC schedule is introduced, the framework below will apply, on a transparent, equitable basis.
Automatic full waiver
Authors whose corresponding institution is based in a country classified by the World Bank as low-income are eligible for an automatic full APC waiver. No application is required — eligibility is verified at submission.
Discretionary waiver (full or partial)
Authors who do not meet the automatic-waiver criterion but face genuine financial hardship may apply for a discretionary waiver. Eligible categories include:
- Authors from lower-middle-income economies (per World Bank classification) without institutional APC support.
- Independent / unaffiliated researchers.
- Postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates without external grant support.
- Early-career researchers without institutional grant support.
- Authors based in regions affected by humanitarian crises.
How to apply
At submission, indicate in the cover letter that a waiver is being requested and identify the relevant category. Provide a brief (1–2 paragraph) statement of the funding circumstances. The Editor-in-Chief reviews waiver requests independently of the editorial-merit decision — waiver eligibility never affects acceptance.
Editorial-board waiver
Members of the IJLMAS Editorial Board, Editorial Advisory Board, and active reviewers receive complimentary publication of one article per calendar year once a regular APC schedule is in effect.
