To obtain a scientific degree, a researcher must successfully defend a dissertation. Preparing for this stage takes a significant amount of time: it is necessary not only to write the actual scientific work but also to publish articles presenting its key results. In this article, we will explain how many publications are required for admission to defence and in which journals they can be published.
General Requirements
Defending a dissertation in Kazakhstan is a complex multi-stage process that requires the candidate not only to conduct high-quality research but also to meet strict publication requirements. Dissertation councils set clear criteria for the number and quality of scientific publications, which must be prepared well in advance of the defence itself.
It is important to note that the requirements described below apply to candidates for both the Doctor of Science degree (by profile) and the PhD degree.
The publication activity of a scholar serves as a crucial indicator of their expertise and readiness for the award of a degree. Proper planning of a publication strategy can significantly ease the path to a successful dissertation defence.
According to the Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the Approval of the Rules for Awarding Degrees”, applicants can choose one of several options to meet the publication requirements.
Option 1: Publication in High-Ranking international Journals
The first option requires publishing at least one scientific article or review in an international peer-reviewed journal that meets the following criteria:
- indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection (including AHCI, SCIE, SSCI)
- has an impact factor according to Journal Citation Reports (JCR)
- ranked at the 25th percentile or higher by CiteScore in the Scopus database
In addition, publications in journals from the official List of the Committee for Quality Assurance in the Sphere of Science and Higher Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan (KOKSNVO) are also required.
Option 2: Two publications in International Journals
An alternative approach involves preparing two articles or a combination of an article and a review in international peer-reviewed journals that:
- are indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection (AHCI)
- belong to the first three quartiles by JCR impact factor
- have a CiteScore of at least 35 in Scopus
Option 3: Chapter in an international Monograph
It is possible to substitute journal publications with a chapter in an international monograph if the following conditions are met:
- the chapter volume is at least one printed sheet
- the monograph is published by a recognized international academic publisher (Elsevier, Springer, Wiley, Routledge, Taylor & Francis) or by a university from the top 100 global rankings
Option 4: Combined Approach
This option allows for a combination of:
- one article in an international journal of the first or second JCR quartile or with a CiteScore of at least 35
- one article in the proceedings of an international scientific conference indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection and having a JCR impact factor
Specifics for Humanities and Pedagogical Fields
For certain educational programs, special conditions apply:
- 8D017 – Training teachers of Kazakh language and literature
- 8D060 – Philology
- D050 – Philosophy and Ethics
- D053 – History
Other pedagogical and humanitarian fields
These candidates may choose between:
- One article in an international journal (indexed in Web of Science AHCI or with a CiteScore percentile of at least 25 in Scopus) plus additional publications in journals from the official List.
- Articles in journals from Lists 1 and 2 of the official List (with at least one article in English) and two oral presentations at international conferences.
Publication requirements for journals in the official KOKSNVO list
The number of required articles depends on the category of the journal:
- List 1: one article is sufficient
- List 2: two articles are required
- List 3: three articles are required
Practical recommendations for planning publications
For successful fulfilment of publication requirements, applicants are advised to:
- Start preparing publications early, considering the long review times of international journals.
- Regularly monitor changes in quartiles and rankings of selected journals.
- Consult with the scientific supervisor when choosing a publication strategy.
- Take into account the specifics of their scientific field when selecting between different requirement options.
- Keep detailed records of all publications with their indexing status in international databases.
Preparing for dissertation defence requires significant time and intellectual effort. To succeed, researchers must carefully study current publication requirements and select the most appropriate strategy, considering the specifics of their scientific field and available resources.
To avoid rushing and to ensure timely publication of articles for the dissertation, contact the company Scientific Publications. We will help you choose a reliable journal and provide support at every stage of the process. Want to learn more about our services? Fill out the form below, and our manager will provide you with a free consultation. Together to the new scientific achievements!
