A completed dissertation alone is not sufficient to obtain an academic degree. The main results of the research must be published in advance and in publications that comply with the established requirements. That is why a publication strategy is an essential part of preparing for the defence.
In the Kyrgyz Republic, the requirements for obtaining academic degrees are set out in the current “Regulations on the procedure for awarding scientific degrees”, updated in 2025.
Required publications for obtaining a PhD
For the defence of a PhD dissertation, the main results of the research must be published in at least 5 publications. At the same time, it is mandatory to have at least 1 article published in a journal indexed in Scopus or Web of Science, while the remaining publications must include materials published in journals included in the List of Peer-Reviewed Academic Periodicals of the Higher Attestation Commission (HAC).
Publications required for obtaining the degree of Doctor of Sciences
The requirements for a Doctor of Sciences dissertation are higher. In total, at least 15 publications must be published. It is mandatory to have at least 2 articles in journals indexed in Scopus or Web of Science. The remaining publications must be published in journals included in the HAC List. If a Doctor of Sciences dissertation is submitted in the form of an academic report, a single-authored monograph and at least 12 articles published in journals indexed in Scopus and/or Web of Science are required.
What is the HAC List?
The HAC List is an approved list of peer-reviewed academic journals in which publications are officially counted for dissertation defence and the awarding of academic degrees. This list includes journals that meet the established requirements for the quality of peer review, academic standards, and editorial policy. Publication in journals included in the HAC List confirms that the research results have undergone expert evaluation and may be recognised within the state system of academic staff attestation.
What else is important to consider when obtaining an academic degree?
Published works must strictly correspond to the topic and content of the dissertation. No more than two articles by the applicant published in the same issue of an academic journal may be counted. The most recent publications must be published before the dissertation is submitted to the dissertation council. In addition, publications equivalent to the main research results may include patents, certificates, and reports published in full.
At the same time, conference abstracts, newspaper articles, and deposited manuscripts are not counted during the dissertation defence.
To obtain the academic degrees of Doctor of Sciences and PhD, not only the fact of having publications matters, but also their quality, indexation, thematic relevance to the dissertation, and proper distribution in accordance with HAC requirements. A mistake in selecting journals or an attempt to formally reach the required number of articles may result in some publications simply not being counted. Therefore, publication preparation for the defence should begin well in advance and be planned in accordance with the current regulatory requirements.
Are you planning publications for the defence of a PhD or Doctor of Sciences degree? Or do you need assistance with preparing your dissertation? Contact the company Scientific Publications. We will help you understand the requirements, assess the articles you already have, select suitable journals, and build an effective publication strategy. To receive a free consultation, fill in the form below, and our manager will contact you. Together towards a successful defence and new academic achievements!
