To cover the expenses of delivering a quality publishing service and ensuring open access for readers, authors whose manuscripts are accepted for publication in the Journal must pay a one-time Article Processing Charge (APC) of $ 200 (R4,100.00). There are no surcharges, regardless of the article's length, inclusion of figures, or supplementary data. Considering the financial circumstances of researchers and academics from marginalised groups, communities, and low-income countries, the Journal offers options for APC waivers and discounts tailored to the authors' specific circumstances.

The IJSSE extends APC 50% discounts, 100% waivers, and special discounts/waivers based on the authors' unique circumstances to provide equitable support to researchers and academics from marginalised groups, communities, and low-income countries. 

Criteria for 50% Discount  

Discount requests in this category are not exclusive to authors from low-income countries, and each case will be individually assessed based on its merit. To be eligible for this category, authors must meet one of the following criteria:

• Authors who are students or in their careers have not received funding from any entity or institution to support their research.
• Unemployed researchers and academics from marginalised groups or communities have not received funding from any entity or institution to support their research.

Before submission, prospective authors must submit a formal request email, along with supporting evidence, that details their inability to cover the total Article Processing Charge (APC). This should explain how they meet the criteria for a discount.  It is emphasised that an author's eligibility for a discount will not impact the peer review process or editorial decision-making. It is important to note that a discounted offer is not automatically applied; authors are encouraged to request the discount before the submission by contacting Publisher@gaerpsy.com.

Criteria for 100% Full Waiver

Full waivers, entailing a 100% discount of the APC, granted to authors from countries classified by the World Bank as low-income economies, meeting one of the following criteria:

• All authors are students without funding from any entity or institution to support their research.
• All authors are in the early stages of their careers and have not received funding from any entity or institution to support their research.
• Unemployed researchers and academics from marginalised groups or communities have not received funding from any entity or institution to support their research.
• All authors on the paper must be located in one of the low-income countries specified below.

Note: All authors on the manuscript must be located in one of the low-income countries specified below. 

It is crucial to note that a full waiver is not automatically applied and that the authors' eligibility for a waiver will not impact the peer review process or editorial decision-making. However, before submission, prospective authors must submit a formal request and supporting evidence that details their inability to cover the total Article Processing Charge (APC) and demonstrates how they have met the criteria for the waiver. Authors are strongly advised to request the waiver before the submission by contacting Publisher@gaerpsy.com.

Countries eligible for a full (100%) waiver

• Afghanistan
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Congo, Brazzaville
• Congo, Democratic Republic
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Gambia
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Haiti
• India
• Liberia
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mali
• Mozambique
• Niger
• Rwanda
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Togo
• Yemen
• Zimbabwe

Special Discount/Waiver

Suppose you do not meet the criteria for a complete waiver or discount outlined above yet face difficulties covering your manuscript's Article Processing Charge (APC). In that case, we offer the option to apply for a specially reduced discount or even a complete waiver. In such instances, we advise you to engage with the Journal before submitting your article to make a formal request. Please adhere to the following procedure:

• Please send us an email to the Journal via Publisher@gaerpsy.com using the subject line "APC Special Discount/Waiver Request" or a similar relevant title.
• In your email, clearly articulate why the standard discounts and waivers do not apply in your case and why special consideration is warranted.
• If relevant, include any supporting documents or evidence that substantiates your request.

Should you have any inquiries regarding the Article Processing Charge, waivers, discounts, and special offers, please do not hesitate to contact us at Publisher@gaerpsy.com. We are here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have in this regard.