Burger King Scholarship 2026 | BK℠ Scholars Program (Fully Funded Education Support)
The Burger King Foundation has long backed ambitions beyond the fast‑food counter. Through the BK℠ Scholars Program, the Foundation has awarded tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to thousands of students across North America — helping them pursue higher education regardless of background or financial constraints.
For 2026, the BK℠ Scholars Program remains one of the most accessible and impactful scholarships in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Whether you are a high-school senior, a Burger King employee, or a dependent of an employee, the program offers financial awards ranging from $1,000 up to $60,000. This can significantly ease the burden of college or vocational school costs.
Why the Burger King Scholarship Exists
The Burger King Foundation is a nonprofit (501(c)(3)) organization inspired by the mission of co‑founder Jim McLamore, who believed education gives people the freedom to chart their own paths. The Foundation continues to build on that legacy with goals such as:
- Empowering individuals through education
- Fostering potential and opportunity
- Providing support through scholarships, literacy programs, and emergency assistance
Each year, the Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations and directly funds students through the BK℠ Scholars Program to help them access college, university, or vocational training opportunities.
Burger King Scholarship 2026: Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Amount | $1,000 – $60,000 |
| Who Can Apply | High school seniors, Burger King employees, or their dependents — residents of U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam |
| 2026‑2027 Application Cycle | Opens: October 15, 2025 · Deadline: December 15, 2025 (or until application cap reached) |
| Application Managed By | Scholarship America® via official portal |
| Awards Distributed Annually | More than $7 million awarded each cycle — goal of one scholarship per Burger King restaurant |
Types of Scholarships in the BK℠ Program
General / High‑School Senior Scholarships
- Open to all eligible graduating high‑school seniors in U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, or Guam.
- Awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Selection based on GPA (or equivalent), extracurricular activities, leadership, community service, and financial need.
Employee‑Based Scholarships
- Available to current Burger King employees, their spouses/domestic partners, or dependent children/family members pursuing postsecondary education.
- Awards can range up to $60,000, depending on academic merit and financial circumstances.
- Also covers vocational/technical school, undergraduate or trade programs, depending on eligibility.
Top‑Tier Awards: WHOPPER® & Named Scholarships
- The flagship scholarship — James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship — offers the maximum award of $60,000 to top candidates with outstanding academic record, leadership, community service, and financial need.
- Additional named or regional awards (depending on funds, franchisee participation) may be available.
Eligibility Criteria (2026)
To qualify for the 2026‑2027 cycle of the BK℠ Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Live in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, or Guam.
- Be either: a graduating high‑school senior (general track) or a Burger King employee / dependent (employee‑based track).
- Hold a minimum GPA of ~2.0–2.5 (4.0 scale) — exact requirement may vary depending on track.
- Plan to enroll full‑time (or part-time, depending on track) in an accredited two‑year, four‑year college/university, vocational or technical/trade school for the upcoming academic year.
- Demonstrate involvement in school, community, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or work experience.
- If applying via employee-based track: applicant or dependent must be associated with an active Burger King employee/franchisee as per program rules
Typical Award Amounts
- $1,000 – $2,500: Common for general‑track applicants with standard profiles.
- $5,000 – $10,000: For students showing strong academics, leadership, service, and/or financial need.
- $25,000 – $60,000: Reserved for top‑tier awards (e.g. WHOPPER® Scholarship or exceptional employee‑based applicants).
How to Apply (2026 Cycle) — Step by Step
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to burgerking.scholarsapply.org.
- Create an Account: Register with a valid email and fill in your profile.
- Gather Required Documents:
- Official or unofficial transcript showing GPA
- Resume or list of extracurricular, volunteer work, and job history (if any)
- Proof of Burger King employment or affiliation (for employee‑based track)
- Parental/guardian financial information (if required) or proof of financial need
- Fill Out the Application Form: Provide personal details, academic info, planned course of study, and answer any essay or short‑response questions.
- Submit Before Deadline: The 2026 application window closes on December 15, 2025, or earlier if the global cap on applications (≈ 30,000) is reached.
Strategies to Stand Out — Tips for Applicants
- Show a balanced profile: Highlight academic success, community involvement, leadership roles, part‑time work or volunteer service.
- Tell a compelling story: Explain personal challenges, career goals, why education matters to you, and how the scholarship would make a difference.
- Demonstrate commitment and responsibility: Employers or admissions may value students who juggle work, school, and service.
- Apply early: Submitting ahead of the last minute can help avoid high volume and technical issues.
- Employee‑based applicants should ensure all employment documentation is accurate and up to date: this strengthens credibility and eligibility.
Why the Burger King Scholarship 2026 Still Shines
- Accessibility: Low GPA threshold (~2.0–2.5) opens opportunities to many students.
- Holistic evaluation: Beyond grades — community service, leadership, work ethic, and financial need matter too.
- Support for workers: Employees and dependents get solid access to funding for education and training.
- Substantial awards: Top-tier grants ($60,000) can make a major difference in college or vocational education costs.
- Wide reach: Covers multiple countries (U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam), benefiting diverse students.
2026‑2027 Application Timeline (Estimated)
- Applications Open: October 15, 2025
- Application Deadline: December 15, 2025 (or when application cap reached)
- Winners Announced: Typically spring of 2026 (varies year to year)
- Scholarship Funds Disbursed: Before start of academic year 2026–2027, as long as enrollment is verified
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can international students (outside U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam) apply?
- No — only residents of the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, or Guam are eligible.
- Do I need to work at Burger King to apply?
- No — general scholarships are open to high-school seniors irrespective of employment. Employee‑based awards are for BK staff or their dependents.
- What GPA do I need?
- The minimum GPA requirement is modest (around 2.0–2.5 on 4.0 scale), but competitive awards often go to students with stronger academic records plus leadership and service.
- Can I use the scholarship for vocational or trade school?
- Yes — the BK℠ Scholars Program supports enrollment in accredited colleges, universities, vocational, or technical schools.
- When does the application close for 2026?
- Applications for the 2026‑2027 cycle close on December 15, 2025, or earlier if the maximum number of applications is reached.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 version of the BK℠ Scholars Program remains one of the most student‑friendly, inclusive, and impactful scholarships available in North America. With awards up to $60,000, an inclusive eligibility profile, and support for both traditional and vocational education paths — this program truly opens doors for hardworking students.
If you qualify and plan to enroll in a postsecondary program in 2026, this scholarship can make a real difference. Don’t miss your chance — prepare your application and apply early.
Official Link
For more information and to submit your application, visit: BK℠ Scholars Program Official Portal
Other Important Scholarships
Burger King Scholarship 2026 | BK℠ Scholars Program (Fully Funded Education Support)
When you hear Burger King, you might think of the Whopper or fries—but the Burger King Foundation has been supporting students for decades. Through the BK℠ Scholars Program, the Foundation has awarded millions in scholarships to tens of thousands of students across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Guam.
For 2026, the BK℠ Scholars Program continues to offer financial support from $1,000 up to $60,000. Whether you’re a high school senior, a Burger King employee, or a dependent of an employee, this scholarship can help reduce college or vocational school costs.
Why the BK℠ Scholars Program Exists
The Burger King Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit inspired by co-founder Jim McLamore, who believed, “Without education, you limit your potential.” Its mission:
- Empowering individuals through education
- Creating brighter futures by nurturing potential
- Providing literacy support and emergency relief globally
Key Highlights – Burger King Scholarship 2026
- Scholarship Amount: $1,000 – $60,000
- Eligibility: High school seniors, Burger King employees, or dependents in U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, or Guam
- Deadline: December 15, 2025
- Administered By: Scholarship America®
- Selection Criteria: GPA, extracurriculars, community service, work experience, financial need
- Annual Awards: Over $7 million distributed each year
Types of Scholarships
General Scholarships
- Open to all high school seniors in U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Guam
- Typical awards: $1,000 – $5,000
- Based on academic performance, leadership, community service, and financial need
Employee-Based Scholarships
- For current Burger King employees or their dependents
- Awards: $1,000 – $60,000 depending on merit and need
- Rewards balance between work, studies, and community involvement
James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship
- Named after the BK co-founder
- Most prestigious award at $60,000
- Recognizes outstanding academics, leadership, and community impact
Eligibility Requirements
- Resident of U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, or Guam
- High school senior (for general scholarships)
- Minimum GPA: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Plan to enroll full-time in college, university, or vocational/technical school
- Active in school activities, community service, or work experience
- Employee-based scholarships require BK employment or dependency
Scholarship Amounts
- $1,000 – $2,500: Most common for general applicants
- $5,000 – $10,000: Competitive for students with strong leadership and service
- $25,000 – $60,000: Reserved for James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship winners
Application Process
- Visit Official Website: https://burgerking.scholarsapply.org/
- Create Account: Sign up with a valid email
- Prepare Documents:
- Transcript
- Extracurricular activities list
- Work experience records
- Community service documentation
- Financial need proof (if required)
- Complete Application: Fill in personal details and essays
- Submit by Deadline: December 15, 2025
Tips to Win
- Highlight your balance between school, work, and service
- Tell your personal story and career goals
- Show leadership, even in small roles
- Apply early to avoid last-minute issues
- Check eligibility for employee-based awards (fewer applicants)
FAQs
Q1: Can international students apply? No, only residents of U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, or Guam.
Q2: Do I need to work at Burger King? Not for general awards. Employee-based scholarships are for BK staff/dependents.
Q3: Minimum GPA? 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Q4: Can I use it for vocational schools? Yes, any accredited college, university, or technical school.
Q5: Is financial need required? Not always; considered alongside leadership and service.
Official Link
For details and applications: Burger King Scholarship Official Website
