Publish your paper(s) for free to Scopus-indexed journals.

1. Use DOAJ
Search the Directory of Open Access Journals and filter for journals with no APC and no other charges. This is one of the best places to find diamond open access journals across disciplines.
https://doaj.org/

2. Use SCImago Journal Rank
On SCImago, turn on the Only Diamond Open Access Journals filter. This helps you find journals that are free for authors and readers, and you can sort by subject area, country, and quartile.
https://www.scimagojr.com/journalrank.php

3. Check curated no-APC journal databases
Platforms such as NoAPC help researchers identify journals that do not charge APCs, including journals indexed in major databases.
https://www.noapc.com/

4. Search by field
Use targeted searches such as:
no APC journals in microbiology
free publication journals in education
diamond open access journals in public health

5. Look at society and university-supported journals
Many journals run by academic societies, research institutes, and universities do not charge authors. These journals are often funded through institutions rather than APCs.

6. Check SciELO
SciELO hosts many reputable journals, especially from Latin America, with strong diamond open access coverage.
https://scielo.org/

7. Check Redalyc
Redalyc is another strong platform for no-fee journals, especially in the social sciences and humanities.
https://www.redalyc.org/

8. Explore publisher waiver policies
Some APC journals offer full or partial waivers for authors who do not have funding. Always check the journal or publisher website before ruling them out.

9. Look for Research4Life or similar eligibility
Some publishers provide APC waivers or discounts for authors from eligible low and middle income countries through programs linked to Research4Life.
https://www.research4life.org/

10. Check special publisher initiatives
Some publishers run country-based or journal-based waiver schemes. These can make publishing free in selected journals, even when the journal normally charges APCs.

11. Ask the editor directly
If a journal charges APCs but you do not have funding, contact the editorial office and ask whether a waiver is available. Some journals consider requests on a case by case basis.

12. Use your institution's publishing support
Some universities have agreements with publishers that cover APCs for their researchers. Check with your library or research office.

13. Collaborate strategically
In some cases, co-authoring with researchers whose institutions have publishing agreements can help cover costs legitimately.

14. Watch for special issues and temporary fee waivers
Some journals waive charges for special issues, anniversary issues, or limited promotional periods.

15. Search journal websites carefully
Do not rely only on third-party lists. Always confirm on the journal's own website whether they charge APCs, submission fees, or any hidden publication costs.

16. Use Think. Check. Submit.
Before submitting anywhere, use Think. Check. Submit. to make sure the journal is legitimate and not predatory.
https://thinkchecksubmit.org/

17. Check indexing status
A free journal can still be reputable. Verify whether it is indexed in databases relevant to your field and whether it has a clear editorial board and peer review process.

18. Look beyond big commercial publishers
Many excellent free journals are run by smaller non-profit publishers, scholarly associations, and regional academic platforms.

19. Search for diamond open access by subject
Try phrases like:
diamond open access journals in engineering
diamond OA journals in law
diamond OA journals in environmental science

20. Always verify before submission
Policies can change. A journal that was free last year may not be free now. Always confirm the current policy on the official journal website.