Deadline: 24-Sep-2026
The Walter Charles Price and Adis Florence Mary McIntosh Bursary provides financial support to Canadian students pursuing careers in libraries and archives. The bursary promotes diversity, inclusion, and representation by supporting students from visible minority groups, Indigenous communities, and persons with disabilities enrolled in eligible library, archival, and information studies programs.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, eligible full-time students may receive $5,000, while eligible part-time students may receive $2,500 to support their education and career development in the documentary heritage sector.
Program Overview
The Walter Charles Price and Adis Florence Mary McIntosh Bursary is designed to increase diversity and representation within the library, archives, and information management professions in Canada.
The bursary supports students who are preparing for careers that contribute to preserving, organizing, managing, and providing access to information, documentary heritage, archival records, and library resources.
By reducing financial barriers, the program encourages broader participation from historically underrepresented groups and helps strengthen inclusion across the library and archival sectors.
Funding Information
Funding amounts for the 2026–2027 academic year are based on enrollment status:
- Full-time students: $5,000
- Part-time students: $2,500
The bursary provides direct financial assistance to support educational expenses related to eligible programs of study.
Program Objectives
The bursary aims to:
- Increase diversity within library and archival professions.
- Support students from underrepresented communities.
- Promote equitable access to educational opportunities.
- Strengthen representation in the documentary heritage sector.
- Encourage careers in libraries, archives, and information management.
- Reduce financial barriers to professional education.
- Support the future workforce of Canadian libraries and archives.
Eligible Fields of Study
Applicants must be enrolled in a program that prepares them for a career in libraries or archives.
Examples of eligible programs include:
- Information Studies
- Library Studies
- Archival Studies
- Library and Information Technology
- Technical Library Studies
- Technical Archival Studies
Students enrolled in other programs may also be eligible if they can clearly demonstrate that their studies lead to a professional career in libraries, archives, or the documentary heritage sector.
Understanding the Documentary Heritage Sector
The documentary heritage sector includes organizations and professionals responsible for preserving, organizing, protecting, and providing access to information and historical records.
Examples include:
- Libraries
- Archives
- Research institutions
- Information centres
- Heritage organizations
- Digital collections and repositories
Professionals in this sector help ensure that knowledge, culture, history, and information remain accessible for future generations.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements.
Residency and Immigration Requirements
Applicants must:
- Reside in Canada.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person.
Identity Requirements
Applicants must identify as one or more of the following:
- A member of a visible minority group.
- An Indigenous person (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis).
- A person with a disability.
Educational Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a Canadian postsecondary institution.
- Be registered in an eligible program leading to a career in libraries or archives.
- Demonstrate a clear connection between their studies and employment within the documentary heritage sector.
Eligible Student Categories
The bursary supports:
- Full-time students.
- Part-time students.
- Undergraduate students in eligible programs.
- Graduate students in eligible programs.
- Students pursuing professional library or archival qualifications.
Why This Bursary Matters
The library and archival professions play a vital role in preserving knowledge, supporting education, protecting cultural heritage, and ensuring access to information.
This bursary helps:
- Improve representation in library and archive professions.
- Create more inclusive workplaces.
- Support Indigenous participation in heritage professions.
- Increase accessibility for persons with disabilities.
- Strengthen diversity within information management careers.
- Develop future leaders in the documentary heritage sector.
The program contributes to a more equitable and representative workforce that reflects the diversity of Canadian society.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Verify that you:
- Live in Canada.
- Meet citizenship, residency, or protected person requirements.
- Belong to an eligible identity group.
- Are enrolled in an eligible program.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form
Applicants must complete the official online application form and ensure that all information is accurate, complete, and up to date.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare all required documentation before submission.
Required documents include:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or protected person status.
- Proof of enrollment at a Canadian postsecondary institution.
- Documentation confirming enrollment in a program leading to a career in libraries or archives.
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents
After submitting the online application form, applicants must email all required supporting documentation according to program instructions.
Step 5: Verify Application Completeness
Review all submitted materials to ensure:
- Information is accurate.
- Documents are legible.
- All eligibility requirements are addressed.
- No required documentation is missing.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must provide:
- Proof of citizenship, permanent resident status, or protected person status.
- Proof of enrollment in a Canadian postsecondary institution.
- Evidence that the program of study leads to a career in libraries, archives, or the documentary heritage sector.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Submit all documents before the deadline.
- Ensure information is accurate and consistent.
- Clearly explain how your studies relate to a career in libraries or archives.
- Verify that enrollment documentation is current.
- Review eligibility requirements carefully before applying.
- Keep copies of all submitted materials.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete applications.
- Forgetting to send supporting documents.
- Providing outdated enrollment verification.
- Failing to demonstrate a connection to library or archival careers.
- Submitting inaccurate personal information.
- Missing required proof of residency or status documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much funding is available through the bursary?
Eligible full-time students may receive $5,000, while eligible part-time students may receive $2,500.
Who can apply for the bursary?
Canadian residents who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons and who identify as a visible minority, Indigenous person, and/or person with a disability may apply if they meet all educational requirements.
Are Indigenous students eligible?
Yes. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students are eligible under the bursary program.
Can part-time students apply?
Yes. Part-time students are eligible and may receive a bursary of $2,500.
Are only Library Studies programs eligible?
No. Several related programs are eligible, including Information Studies, Archival Studies, Library and Information Technology, Technical Library Studies, and Technical Archival Studies. Other programs may also qualify if they clearly lead to careers in libraries or archives.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit proof of citizenship, permanent residency, or protected person status, along with proof of enrollment in an eligible Canadian postsecondary program.
Can students in related fields apply?
Yes. Students in programs outside the listed disciplines may qualify if they can demonstrate that their studies directly support a career in libraries, archives, or the documentary heritage sector.
Conclusion
The Walter Charles Price and Adis Florence Mary McIntosh Bursary provides valuable financial assistance to students pursuing careers in libraries and archives while advancing diversity, inclusion, and representation within Canada’s documentary heritage sector. By supporting students from visible minority groups, Indigenous communities, and persons with disabilities, the bursary helps build a stronger, more inclusive future workforce for libraries, archives, and information management professions across Canada.
For more information, visit Government of Canada.
