A common dilemma arises for PhD students and early-career researchers: Should you aim for a Scopus Indexed Journal or a Scopus Indexed Conference Proceeding?
While both can lead to your work being indexed in the world's largest abstract and citation database, the path, purpose, and timeline differ significantly.
In this article, we analyze the key differences to help you decide which route aligns best with your current academic goals.

(learn more: What Is Scopus? A Beginner's Guide for Researchers (2026))

The Fundamental Difference: Archive vs. Exchange

Before diving into the pros and cons, it is essential to understand the core purpose of each format:

• Scopus Journals are typically the destination for fully finished, polished, and comprehensive research. They serve as an archival record of science.
• Scopus Conference Proceedings are platforms for presenting new ideas, works-in-progress, and innovative methodologies. They prioritize the exchange of ideas.

Key Comparison Factors

To make an informed decision, let's break down the differences based on three critical factors: Speed, Difficulty, and Value.

1. Publication Speed (Time-to-Index)

This is often the deciding factor for students with strict graduation deadlines.

• Journals: The review process can be notoriously slow. From submission to acceptance, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Multiple rounds of major revisions are common.
• Conferences: Conferences operate on a fixed schedule. If the conference date is set, the review timeline is predictable. Typically, you can receive a notification of acceptance within 2 to 8 weeks, and the paper is published in the proceedings shortly after the event.

2. Acceptance Difficulty and Rejection Rates

• Journals: Top-tier Scopus journals often have rejection rates exceeding 80-90%. They require a perfectly complete study with extensive validation.
• Conferences: While reputable conferences still maintain strict peer-review standards, they are generally more open to "preliminary results" or "novel ideas" that haven't been fully perfected yet. The acceptance rate is usually higher than Q1/Q2 journals.

3. Networking and Feedback

• Journals: It is a solitary process. You interact only with anonymous reviewers.
• Conferences: This is where the magic happens. You present your work live (or virtually) to peers and experts. You get immediate feedback, which can be invaluable for improving your research before submitting it to a journal later. Plus, you build connections for future collaborations.

Quick Comparison Table: Journal vs. Conference

Common Myth: "Do Conference Papers Count?"

Many researchers worry that conference papers hold less value. The answer depends on your field:

• In Computer Science & Engineering: Conference papers are often considered equal to or even more prestigious than journal articles because the field moves so fast.
• In Natural Sciences: Journals are traditionally preferred, but conference papers are recognized as essential supplements to a CV.
• For Graduation: Most universities accept Scopus-indexed conference papers as part of the graduation requirements (always check your specific university guidelines).

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a Scopus Journal if:

• You have a completely finished, extensive study.
• You are not in a rush and can wait 1+ years for publication.
• You are aiming for a specific high Impact Factor.

Choose a Scopus Conference Proceeding if:

• You have a deadline (e.g., graduation, grant application) and need Scopus indexing fast.
• Your research is novel but you want feedback from the community.
• You want to network with other scholars in your field.
• You want to visit a new location or engage in international academic exchange.

FAQ: Common Questions About Scopus Journals vs. Conferences

Q1: Do Scopus indexed conference papers count for PhD graduation?
A: generally, yes. In fields like Computer Science, Engineering, and IT, Scopus indexed conference papers are highly valued and often carry as much weight as journal articles. However, graduation requirements vary by university and country. We always recommend checking your specific doctoral school guidelines. For many students, conference papers are the fastest way to meet the "minimum publication requirement" for thesis submission.

Q2: Can I submit a conference paper to a journal later?
A: Yes, this is a common academic practice known as creating an "extended version." However, you cannot submit the exact same paper. Typically, journals require you to expand the research by 30-50%, adding new data, deeper analysis, or updated results. You must also cite your original conference paper to avoid self-plagiarism.

Q3: Is it faster to get indexed in Scopus via a conference or a journal?
A: A conference is almost always faster. Journal reviews can take 6–12 months (or longer) with uncertain outcomes. In contrast, conference dates are fixed. Once accepted and presented, the proceedings are submitted to Scopus for indexing, which typically happens a few months after the event. If speed is your priority, choose a conference.

Q4: How do I know if a conference is truly indexed by Scopus?
A: You should check if the conference proceedings are published by a reputable publisher (like IEEE, IOP, Springer, or AIP) that has an active partnership with Scopus. Be wary of conferences that promise "100% acceptance" or don't list a clear publisher.

learn more：How to Verify Scopus Indexing: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Q5: What is the difference between a "Journal Article" and a "Conference Paper" in Scopus search results?
A: In the Scopus database, they are classified by "Document Type." A journal paper is listed as an "Article", while a paper from a proceeding is listed as a "Conference Paper". Both contribute to your author H-index and citation count in Scopus.

Find Your Next Conferences

Ready to share your research with the world? Explore our list of upcoming Scopus Indexed Conferences in Engineering, Computer Science, and more. Secure your spot and get your work indexed efficiently.