This study explored the challenges faced by doctoral students in preparing and publishing research in reputable international journals. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed to gather in-depth information from four doctoral students in three higher education institutions in Sumatra, Indonesia. The participants were recruited through purposive sampling and through semi-structured interviews gave their views about international journal preparation and publication challenges. Data were analysed using the six steps in thematic analysis developed by Braun and Clarke (2006). Findings indicated that doctoral students faced diverse challenges, including lack of title formulation knowledge, limited research funding, lack of methodological knowledge, and language problems. This study's findings can provide information about the challenges facing Indonesian doctoral students in achieving publishing of their research in an international journal as a requirement for doctoral completion.