Last updated: April 2026 · 8 min read · Audience: Authors, students, early-career researchers · Reading level: Introductory
Introduction
Many researchers operate without grant funding that covers publication costs — students, between-jobs researchers, unaffiliated authors, researchers in less-resourced settings. The available paths are wider than they first appear, and the constraints can usually be met without compromising publication quality.
This page surveys the available paths. The route choice depends on field, audience, and any waiver eligibility.
Four no-funding paths
| Path | Cost to author | Access for readers |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription journal | None | Paywalled |
| Diamond open-access | None (subsidised) | Open |
| Low-APC open-access with waiver | Reduced or zero after waiver | Open |
| Institutional transformative agreement | None (covered by institution) | Open |
Practical guidance
- Check institutional transformative agreements first — your library is the right starting point.
- Apply for APC waivers at submission, with documentation; do not wait until acceptance.
- Calculate total cost including page charges, colour figure fees, and reprints.
- Verify journal credibility independently regardless of price.
- Document any waiver confirmations in writing from the editorial office.
What to avoid
Decision guidance
Most researchers without funding have at least two credible options. The decision should follow audience and field norms: subscription journals work in fields where readers have institutional access; open-access matters where reach to non-institutional readers is important.
Example scenarios
Scenario: a master's student publishing without grant support
Subscription journals in the discipline avoid the cost question entirely. Diamond open-access journals subsidised by societies are also strong fits in many fields. Either path produces a credible publication record.
Scenario: an unaffiliated researcher
Authors without institutional affiliation are often eligible for waivers but have to ask. A direct written enquiry to the editorial office about waiver options for unaffiliated researchers usually produces a clear answer within days.
Scenario: a researcher in a Hinari/Research4Life-eligible country
Authors from eligible countries typically receive automatic APC waivers at major publishers. The combination of waiver eligibility and major-publisher journal often delivers excellent value at no cost.
What to do next
Identify the most plausible no-funding path in your field and target journal. Submit any waiver request alongside the manuscript. Authors targeting EP Journals Group venues can review fee policies on each journal's site or contact the editorial office.
Frequently asked questions
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Related reading and next steps
- Submission portal — Submit a manuscript through the central form
- Journals list — Six peer-reviewed journals across disciplines
- Affordable publishing options
- Publishing without high APC
- Free vs paid publication
- Low-cost research journals
Editorial enquiries
Questions about this guide or about preparing a manuscript for submission may be directed to the editorial office. Where a query relates to a specific journal in the portfolio, please indicate the journal abbreviation in your message.
Email: editor@ep-journals.org