A stipend is a type of financial assistance provided to individuals to help them meet their basic living expenditures. Unlike a salary, a stipend is not necessarily compensation for services rendered but rather financial aid to support individuals during specific learning or training experiences. The purpose of providing stipends is to assist individuals in meeting their living expenses while they engage in educational, training, or research activities.
Stipends are often given to interns, researchers, assistants, clergy, junior associates, or trainees. Eligibility for stipends depends on the type of job or program an individual is engaged in. Common roles that make individuals eligible for stipends include interns, researchers, assistants, clergy members, junior associates, or trainees. However, eligibility criteria may vary depending on the organization, program, or institution offering the stipend.