The Burger King Foundation awards scholarships to deserving high school seniors, Burger King employees, and their families to help advance their education. The Burger King Scholars program has distributed over $60 million to more than 51,000 students across North America since 2000. The merit-based Burger King scholarship program emphasizes academic achievement, work experience, extracurricular activities, financial need, and community service involvement.
The program honors James W. McLamore, co-founder of Burger King, whose commitment to education and philanthropy shaped the foundation’s mission. Students can secure funding ranging from $1,000 to $60,000 for college or post-secondary vocational training. The scholarship helps students fund education costs without requiring repayment.
About Burger King Foundation
The Burger King Foundation operates as the philanthropic arm of Burger King Corporation, established to honor co-founder James W. McLamore’s commitment to education and community service. Founded with a mission to advance educational opportunities across North America, the foundation has maintained consistent scholarship funding for over 24 years. The organization partners with franchisees and corporate stakeholders to identify deserving students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and community involvement. McLamore’s legacy drives the foundation’s focus on removing financial barriers to higher education, particularly for working students and families connected to the Burger King system. The foundation operates with transparency and accountability, ensuring scholarship funds directly support recipients’ educational goals at accredited institutions throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Scholarship Overview
- Academic level: The Burger King Scholarship specifically targets the high school to college transition period. It’s designed to help graduating seniors begin their post-secondary education, whether that’s a four-year university, community college, or vocational training program.
- Total Awards: Over $60 million distributed since program inception in 2000
- Annual Recipients: Approximately 4,200 students receive scholarships each year
- Award Amounts: Range from $1,000 to $60,000 per recipient
- Geographic Coverage: United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico
- Program Focus: Merit-based selection considering GPA, work experience, activities, and community service
- Special Awards: Three James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarships worth $60,000 each annually
- Application Period: Typically opens October 15 and closes December 16
- Notification Timeline: Recipients notified in April following the application year
Burger King Scholarship Coverage
The Burger King Scholars program provides financial assistance for various educational expenses. Scholarships are intended to offset the cost of attending college or post-secondary vocational/technical school.
- Tuition Costs: Covers undergraduate and graduate program tuition fees at accredited institutions
- Vocational Training: Supports enrollment in technical schools and trade programs
- Educational Materials: Fund textbooks, supplies, and required course materials
- Living Expenses: Assists with dormitory fees and other education-related costs
- Technology Needs: Helps purchase computers and software required for coursework
- Professional Development: Supports certification programs and continuing education courses
Also read: Pizza Hut Foundation Scholarships Program 2025-2026
Requirements for Burger King Scholarship
The scholarship program targets three distinct applicant categories with specific requirements. All applicants must be residents of the U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico and demonstrate academic merit combined with community involvement.
- High School Seniors: Must be graduating seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Geographic Requirements: Open to residents of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico only
- Current Employees: Must work at a franchised or corporate-owned Burger King restaurant
- Employee Family Members: Immediate family members of current Burger King employees are eligible
- Academic Standards: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 required for all applicant categories
- Enrollment Plans: Must plan to enroll in an accredited college, university, or vocational school
- Work Experience: Demonstrated employment history strengthens the application significantly
- Community Involvement: Active participation in volunteer work or leadership roles is required
- Financial Documentation: Some scholarship categories may require proof of financial need
How to Apply for Burger King Scholarship
The application process requires careful preparation and attention to deadlines. Applications will be accepted from October 15 through December 16, 2024, with early submission recommended for optimal consideration.
- Create Account: Register on the official scholarship portal at burgerking.scholarsapply.org
- Complete Profile: Fill out personal information, including contact details and educational background
- Submit Transcripts: Upload official high school or college transcripts showing current GPA.
- Write Essays: Craft a personal statement explaining educational goals and financial need.
- List Activities: Document extracurricular involvement, volunteer work, and leadership roles
- Provide References: Include contact information for teachers, employers, or community leaders.
- Upload Documents: Submit all required paperwork before the application deadline
- Review Submission: Double-check the application for completeness and accuracy before final submission
Required Documents
- Official high school transcript showing a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Work experience documentation with employment history details
- Community service records with volunteer hours and organization information
- Short essay responses addressing leadership experiences and career aspirations
- Proof of enrollment plans at an accredited post-secondary institution
- Financial documentation if applying for need-based scholarship categories
Note: Unlike many scholarship programs, letters of recommendation are NOT required for Burger King Scholarships.
Also read: Required Scholarship Documents: 47 Must-Have Documents
Application Deadline
- 2025 Cycle Application Period: Expected October 15 – December 16, 2025
- Current Status: 2024 application cycle closed December 16, 2024
- Notification Date: Spring 2025 for 2024 applicants
- Award Distribution: Summer 2025 for the upcoming academic year
Students should monitor the official website for the 2025 cycle opening announcements. Applications must be submitted electronically before the deadline, as late submissions receive no consideration.
Official Website
For complete program details, eligibility requirements, and application access, visit the official Burger King Scholars website. The portal contains updated information about award guidelines, application procedures, and frequently asked questions.
Also, check other scholarships in the USA: Scholarships in the USA
Also, check other scholarships in the USA: Scholarships in Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to work at Burger King to get this scholarship?
No, you do not need to work at Burger King to apply. The scholarship is open to all high school seniors who meet the basic requirements. However, Burger King employees and their family members have a separate application track with additional opportunities.
How much money can I win from the Burger King Scholarship?
Scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $60,000. Most students receive awards between $1,000 and $5,000. The three special James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarships provide $60,000 each year to top recipients.
Is the Burger King Scholarship renewable each year?
No, these scholarships are not renewable. You receive the award for one academic year only. However, employees who win $1,000 awards can reapply in future years if they still meet all requirements.
What GPA do I need to qualify for this scholarship?
You need a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. This requirement applies to all applicant categories. Your official high school transcript must show this GPA when you apply.
When is the application deadline for Burger King Scholarships?
Applications typically open on October 15 and close on December 16 each year. The 2024 cycle has closed. Students should watch for the 2025 application opening announcement in fall 2025.
Can college students apply for Burger King Scholarships?
No, only high school seniors can apply. Current college students are not eligible. You must be graduating from high school in the same year you apply for the scholarship.
Do I need letters of recommendation for this scholarship?
No, letters of recommendation are not required. The application focuses on your academic record, work experience, community service, and short essay responses about your goals and leadership experiences.
How competitive is the Burger King Scholarship program?
The program is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants each year. In 2024, approximately 4,200 students received scholarships. Strong grades, work experience, and community involvement increase your chances significantly.
How will I receive my scholarship money if I win?
Scholarship funds are sent directly to your college or vocational school. The money goes toward tuition, fees, books, and other education expenses. You cannot receive cash payments directly.
Can international students apply for the Burger King Scholarship?
No, only residents of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico can apply. International students studying in these countries are not eligible unless they have permanent residency status.
