What Is the Burger King Scholarship?
The Burger King Scholars Program, administered by the Burger King Foundation, is a long-standing initiative that supports students pursuing higher education. Since its inception in 2000, the program has awarded over $55 million in scholarships to more than 45,000 students. The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors, Burger King employees, and children or spouses of employees.
The program is designed to recognize students who demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, leadership, and financial need. It supports both two-year and four-year college programs, as well as vocational and technical education.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Burger King Scholarship 2025/2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be living in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico
- Be a high school senior (or equivalent) planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate program
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Demonstrate active involvement in community service, athletics, or extracurricular activities
- Show financial need
- For employee-based awards: be a Burger King employee, or the spouse/domestic partner or child of an employee, with at least 3 months of continuous employment at a participating Burger King restaurant
Scholarship Amounts and Awards
The Burger King Foundation offers three tiers of scholarships:
- General Track Scholarships – Awards of $1,000 for high school seniors who meet the basic eligibility criteria.
- Employee-Based Track Scholarships – Awards of $1,000 to $5,000 for Burger King employees and their family members.
- James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship – Prestigious awards of $50,000 to $60,000 for the most outstanding applicants who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership, and community service.
These scholarships are non-renewable, but recipients can reapply in subsequent years if they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
How to Apply
The application process is entirely online and can be completed through the Burger King Foundation’s official scholarship portal. Here’s how to apply:
- Visit the Burger King Scholarship Application Page
- Create an account and complete the online application form
- Upload required documents, including:
- High school transcript
- Resume or list of extracurricular activities
- Personal statement or essay (if applicable)
- Financial information (for need-based awards)
- Submit your application by December 15, 2025
Applicants are encouraged to start early to ensure they have time to gather all necessary documents and craft a compelling application.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: October 2025
- Application Deadline: December 15, 2025
- Winners Announced: Spring 2026
- Scholarship Disbursement: Summer 2026, before the academic year begins
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Highlight leadership roles in school clubs, sports, or community organizations
- Demonstrate impact in your volunteer work or part-time jobs
- Be authentic in your personal statement—share your story, goals, and challenges
- Double-check your application for completeness and accuracy before submitting
Why Apply?
The Burger King Scholarship is more than just financial aid it’s a recognition of your hard work, resilience, and potential. Whether you’re flipping burgers, leading a student club, or volunteering in your community, this scholarship rewards dedication and ambition.
With thousands of scholarships awarded each year, the Burger King Foundation is committed to helping students achieve their college dreams and build a brighter future.