Burger King Scholarship 2025 | BK℠ Scholars Program (Fully Funded Education Support)
When most people think of Burger King, the first image that comes to mind is the Whopper, crispy fries, or maybe a quick drive-thru meal after a long day. But there’s something more informative for you. Burger King Foundation, which has been helping young people chase their dreams from decades, long after the food wrappers are tossed away. Through its BK℠ Scholars Program, the Foundation has awarded nearly $60 million in scholarships to over 51,000 students across North America.
For the current year (i.e, 2025), the Burger King Scholarship continues to be one of the most accessible, student-focused awards in the U.S. and Canada, offering financial support ranging from $1,000 to $60,000. Either you’re a high school senior, a Burger King employee, or a dependent of an employee, this scholarship could help you cut down the overwhelming costs of college or vocational school.
Why the Burger King Scholarship Exists
The Burger King Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in the U.S. that was inspired by the vision of Jim McLamore, one of the co-founders of Burger King. In his words, “Without education, you limit your potential to be your own way.”
That spirit still drives the Foundation today. Its mission is simple yet impactful:
Empowering individuals through education
Creating brighter futures by feeding potential
Providing emergency relief and literacy support globally
Each year, the Foundation partners with select nonprofits to build sustainable learning environments and directly funds students through the BK℠ Scholars Program.
Burger King Scholarship 2025: Key Highlights
Here’s a quick snapshot of the BK℠ Scholars Program for 2025:
Scholarship Range: $1,000 – $60,000
Eligibility: High school seniors, Burger King employees, or dependents of employees across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico
Application Deadline: Typically mid-December (2025 deadline expected to follow the same cycle)
Administration: Managed by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest independent scholarship management organization
Selection Criteria: GPA, extracurriculars, work experience, community service, and financial need
Annual Awards: Over $7 million awarded yearly, with a goal of one scholarship per Burger King restaurant
Types of Burger King Scholarships
The BK℠ Scholars Program offers different types of awards, making it flexible for a wide range of applicants:
🔹 General Burger King Scholarships
Open to all high school seniors in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Scholarships typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Criteria include academic performance, leadership, community service, and financial need.
🔹 Burger King Employee-Based Scholarships
Designed for current Burger King employees or their children/spouses.
Awards range from $1,000 to $60,000 depending on merit and financial need.
Employee scholarships emphasize dedication to both work and education, rewarding students who balance jobs with studies.
🔹 James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship
Named after the Burger King co-founder.
Valued at $60,000, it’s the most prestigious award in the BK℠ Scholars Program.
Awarded to students who show outstanding academic achievement, strong leadership, and community impact.
Eligibility Requirements for 2025
The Burger King Scholarship aims to be accessible but still has clear requirements. To apply, you must:
Be a resident of the U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico.
Be a graduating high school senior (for general scholarships).
Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
Plan to enroll full-time in a college, university, or vocational/technical school for the upcoming academic year.
Demonstrate active involvement in school activities, community service, or part-time work.
For employee-based scholarships: be a Burger King employee or a dependent of one.
How Much Money Can You Get?
The Burger King Scholarship isn’t a one-size-fits-all award. Depending on your profile, here’s what you can expect:
$1,000 – $2,500: Most common awards for general applicants.
$5,000 – $10,000: Competitive awards for outstanding students with strong leadership and service.
$25,000 – $60,000: Reserved for James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship winners.
Application Process: Step by Step
Applying is simple, but attention to detail matters. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Visit the Official Website
Go to the official portal: burgerking.scholarsapply.org.Create an Account
Sign up with a valid email address to begin your application.Prepare Documents
Transcript (showing your GPA)
List of extracurricular activities
Work experience records (if any)
Community service involvement
Financial need documentation (if required)
Complete Application Form
Fill out personal details, academic background, and essay questions.Submit Before Deadline
Don’t wait until the last minute — applications usually close in mid-December each year.
Tips to Win the Burger King Scholarship
Want to stand out? Here are proven tips:
Highlight balance: If you juggle school, part-time work, and community service, emphasize it.
Tell your story: Share challenges you’ve overcome, why education matters, and your career goals.
Show leadership: Even small leadership roles (team captain, project lead, volunteer organizer) make a big difference.
Apply early: Early submissions reduce stress and prevent last-minute errors.
Check eligibility for employee/dependent awards: These often have fewer applicants, increasing your odds.
Real-Life Inspiration: Mykale Baker, 2025 Awardee
To see the impact of this program, look no further than Mykale Baker, a Burger King employee who received a $10,000 Burger King Scholarship in 2025. Mykale’s award wasn’t just about grades; it reflected his leadership, resilience, and contribution to his community.
Stories like this prove that the Burger King Foundation doesn’t just reward top test scores — it invests in real people who show potential, grit, and passion.
Why Choose the Burger King Scholarship?
There are thousands of scholarships out there, so why does the Burger King Foundation stand out?
Inclusivity: GPA requirement is just 2.5, making it accessible.
Holistic Selection: Recognizes leadership, service, and financial need, not just grades.
Employee Support: Few corporate scholarships invest so heavily in their own team members.
Prestige: A $60,000 WHOPPER® Scholarship carries weight on any resume.
Impact: With $60 million awarded to date, this program has one of the largest reaches in the U.S. and Canada.
Important Dates for 2025
While the official 2025 cycle dates will be confirmed later this year, here’s the typical timeline:
Applications Open: October 15, 2025
Deadline to Apply: December 15, 2025
Winners Announced: Spring 2026
Funds Disbursed: Summer 2026, before the academic year begins
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can international students apply for the Burger King Scholarship?
No. The scholarship is only open to residents of the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
2. Do I need to work at Burger King to apply?
Not for the general scholarship. But employees and their dependents have additional award opportunities.
3. What’s the GPA requirement?
A minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
4. Can the scholarship be used for vocational schools?
Yes. The award applies to both college and post-secondary vocational/technical schools.
5. Is financial need required?
Not always. Financial need is one factor among several considered.
Final Thoughts
The Burger King Scholarship 2025 will allow you to join a community of over 51,000 scholars who have benefited from the program since its creation. Awards are upto $60,000, this scholarship proves that big dreams can grow from even the most unexpected places — like the counter of your neighborhood Burger King.
Official Link
You may search further details on the official website.
