If you’re a hardworking student or Burger King employee dreaming of going to college, the Burger King Scholarship could help you make that dream a reality. Every year, the Burger King Foundation awards millions of dollars in scholarships to students who show integrity, leadership, and dedication to their education.
Whether you’re flipping burgers, volunteering in your community, or excelling in school, this scholarship program is designed to reward your effort and help you move forward in life.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the Burger King Scholarship 2025/2026 – who can apply, how to apply, and what you can do to stand out from thousands of applicants.
What is the Burger King Scholarship?
The Burger King Scholars Program is one of the most well-known corporate scholarships in North America. It was created in honor of James W. McLamore, the co-founder of Burger King, who believed in helping young people achieve their dreams through education.
Since the program began, it has provided tens of thousands of scholarships to students across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Each Burger King restaurant aims to fund at least one scholarship each year, helping students from all backgrounds access higher education whether at a university, college, or trade school.
Who Can Apply for the Burger King Scholarship?
The program is open to a wide range of students, including high school seniors, Burger King employees, and their family members. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
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You must live in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, or Guam.
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You must be a high school senior or equivalent planning to attend college or a technical/vocational school full-time.
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You need a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
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You can apply as a Burger King employee, or as the spouse or child of an employee, under special categories.
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You should show leadership, work experience, and community involvement through volunteering or extracurriculars.
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You may be asked to provide financial documentation if applying under need-based categories.
It’s a program that values more than just grades it rewards effort, character, and service.
How Much Money Can You Get from the Burger King Scholarship?
Scholarship awards vary depending on your qualifications and category. Here’s what you can expect:
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General Awards: Around $1,000 each, given to thousands of students every year.
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Employee-Based Awards: For Burger King employees or their families, usually between $1,000 and $5,000.
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James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship: The highest award, worth up to $60,000, given to a few exceptional students with strong academic performance, leadership skills, and financial need.
All scholarship funds go directly toward educational expenses like tuition, books, and school fees.
Important Dates for the 2025/2026 Application Cycle
Mark these dates so you don’t miss your chance:
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Applications Open: October 15, 2025
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Applications Close: December 15, 2025 (or earlier if the maximum number of applications is reached)
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Winners Announced: Typically by April or May 2026
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Funds Distributed: Before the start of the fall semester
Because the application portal sometimes closes early, it’s best to apply as soon as the program opens.
How to Apply for the Burger King Scholarship
Applying is simple, but attention to detail is key. Here’s how to do it:
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Visit the Official Scholarship Website
Go to the Burger King Foundation’s scholarship portal once applications open. -
Create Your Account
Fill in your name, contact details, and school information. -
Complete the Application Form
Include your education history, work experience, community involvement, and future goals. -
Upload Required Documents
You’ll need your high school transcript, proof of GPA, and possibly financial information. -
Review Before Submitting
Double-check every section for accuracy. Typos or missing documents can lead to disqualification. -
Submit Early
Don’t wait until the deadline.. the system can become overloaded.
Once you’ve submitted, you can track your application status through your portal.
Tips to Win the Burger King Scholarship
Competition for the Burger King Scholarship is tough, but you can stand out with a strong, authentic application. Here’s how:
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Be yourself. Share your real story what drives you, what challenges you’ve overcome, and why education matters to you.
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Highlight leadership. Whether you led a school project, organized an event, or helped your community, show impact and initiative.
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Quantify achievements. Instead of “I volunteered,” write “I volunteered 200 hours at a local food bank.”
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Demonstrate consistency. Long-term commitment to one or two activities looks stronger than doing many for a short time.
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Apply early. Early applications avoid technical issues and show you’re proactive.
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Proofread carefully. Spelling and formatting errors can make your application look rushed.
The scholarship committee looks for people who reflect Burger King’s values: hard work, teamwork, and service to others.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting after the deadline.
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Leaving fields blank or missing documents.
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Forgetting to update your GPA or transcript.
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Writing vague or short answers that don’t tell your story.
Taking time to review every section of your application can make the difference between being overlooked and being awarded.
Real Inspiration: The Story of Mykale Baker
In 2021, Burger King employee Mykale Baker became an inspiring symbol of dedication. On his graduation night, still in his cap and gown, he went back to work to help his team finish their shift. His act of loyalty and humility caught national attention — and the Burger King Foundation rewarded him with a $10,000 scholarship.
This story shows exactly what the program celebrates: integrity, hard work, and heart.
If You’re Not Eligible
If you don’t meet the requirements, don’t worry. There are many similar scholarships out there. Try searching for other corporate programs like:
Use the same principles strong storytelling, leadership, and early preparation to increase your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Burger King Scholarship?
It’s a program by the Burger King Foundation that offers financial assistance to students and employees pursuing higher education.
Who can apply?
High school seniors and Burger King employees or their dependents in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, or Guam.
How much can I get?
Awards range from $1,000 up to $60,000 for top-tier scholars.
When should I apply?
Applications usually open in mid-October and close in mid-December each year.
Is there an essay requirement?
No formal essay, but detailed short-answer sections let you share your story.
Can I apply again if I don’t win?
Yes, you can reapply next year if you still meet the eligibility requirements.
Conclusion
The Burger King Scholarship is one of the most accessible and generous programs for students and employees who want to pursue their education. It’s not just about grades.. it’s about character, determination, and service.
Start preparing your documents now, write your story with heart, and be ready to apply as soon as the window opens. This could be the year you become a Burger King Scholar.
