Astipend refers to a fixed sum of money that is given out periodically to an individual as payment to services or labor and is giving on non-traditional jobs such as internship, fellowship or apprenticeship. It is unlike a salary that is normally smaller and does not depend on wage labor. Stipends are meant to assist people to cover the costs associated with sustaining life as they acquire experience or fulfill the mission of educational, religious or nonprofit organizations. They are not or are taxable according to the local regulations. Stipends are a common practice in academia and research oriented setting.