The Burger King Scholarship – officially the BK℠ The Burger King Scholarship – is a flagship annual scholarship initiative by the Burger King Foundation. It was established to honor the legacy of Burger King’s co-founder James W. McLamore, reflecting his commitment to philanthropy and education.
Since its inception in 2000, this program has empowered tens of thousands of students: awarding nearly $60 million in scholarships to over 51,000 deserving students across North America. The scholarships are designed to help offset the cost of higher education for both graduating high school seniors and Burger King employees (and their families), in communities where Burger King operates.
Burger King’s goal is ambitious – the Foundation aims to award “one scholarship for every BK® restaurant – that’s more than $7 million each year”
Below is a comprehensive guide covering the key aspects of the Scholarship, including who is eligible, how to apply, award amounts, important dates, tips for success, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Overview of the Burger King Scholarship
The Burger King Scholars Program was created to give back to the community and support education. It is funded by the Burger King Foundation charitable organization, with support from Burger King franchisees and donors. The program’s objective is to enable students to pursue college or vocational training by easing financial barriers, thus “empowering students to reach their fullest potential.” Each year, the BK Scholars Program provides thousands of scholarships to help recipients pay for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. Scholarships range from $1,000 up to $60,000 each, making this one of the more generous corporate scholarship programs in North America.
Just last year the foundation awarded over $4.5 million in scholarships to nearly 4,200 students. Whether you’re a high school senior gearing up for college or a Burger King crew member looking to further your education, the Burger King Scholarship exists to support your academic journey.
Why does this scholarship exist?
By investing in students and Burger King employees, the company strengthens its ties to the community and helps cultivate the next generation of leaders. The Burger King Scholarship isn’t just about financial aid – it’s also about recognizing hard work and community involvement. Recipients are selected not only for their academic achievement but also for their work experience, extracurricular activities, community service, and financial need. This holistic approach means the scholarship rewards well-rounded individuals who demonstrate both academic promise and a commitment to their community.
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply for the Burger King Scholarship? The scholarship has two main eligibility tracks: one for general high school students, and one for Burger King employees (and their spouses/children). Below are the key eligibility criteria for each track:
- General High School Senior Applicants: This track is open to all graduating high school seniors who meet these requirements:
- Residency: Must be living in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, or Canada
- Education Status: Must be a graduating high school senior (or equivalent) in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, or Canada. This includes students graduating from public or private high schools, home-school programs, or (in Canada) graduating from Grade 12.
- Academic Record: Must have a cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent). This is roughly a “C” average or above.
- College Enrollment: Must plan to enroll full-time, without interruption, in the upcoming academic year at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational/technical school (or a CEGEP in Canada). In other words, you should intend to start your post-secondary education in the fall immediately after high school graduation.
- Burger King Employee & Family Applicants: This track is for Burger King® employees, their spouses or domestic partners, and their dependent children who pursue further education. Key requirements include:
- Residency: Must be living in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, or Canada (same as above).
- Employment Affiliation: The applicant must be either: a Burger King employee (company-owned or participating franchise restaurant) or the spouse/domestic partner of an employee or a dependent child of an employee. (If you are the spouse or child, the Burger King employee should have been employed for at least 3 months as of the application deadline to qualify.)
- Education Status: Must be one of the following: a graduating high school senior, or a student who has earned a GED, or (for Canada) graduating from Grade 12, or a current college undergraduate or graduate student. In other words, Burger King employees and their families can be at various stages of education (not just high school seniors) as long as they will be enrolled in an academic program in the coming year.
- Academic Record: Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher (on 4.0 scale) in either high school or college coursework (whichever is most recent).
- College Enrollment: Must plan to enroll (or continue enrollment) in the upcoming academic year at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational/technical school (or CEGEP). Both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible for the employee-based track (even non-traditional and part-time courses are considered, though award amounts may be adjusted for part-time study).
Important info: All applicants (both tracks) must meet the residency, academic, and enrollment requirements. Burger King employment is not required for the general high school track – any eligible high school senior in the specified regions can apply. However, Burger King employees (and their families) have an additional opportunity via the employee-based track. You can apply through only one track, and the application will ask for Burger King employee details if you are applying as an employee/spouse/child. There is no upper age limit specified for the employee track; for example, a Burger King team member who is already in college or even graduate school can apply, as can an employee’s child who is a current college student, provided other criteria are met.
Application Process
Applying for the Burger King Scholarship is a straightforward online process, but it’s crucial to follow all steps carefully and meet the deadlines. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply, what to prepare, and important considerations:
- Check Eligibility and Prepare Materials: Before starting, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for either the high school senior track or the employee-based track. Gather the necessary information and documents. You will need:
- A list of your work experiences, extracurricular activities, and community service involvement (you’ll be asked to detail these in the application).
- Academic transcript: A current high school transcript (for high school applicants) or college transcript (for college student applicants). An unofficial transcript is acceptable as long as it clearly shows your name, school name, courses, grades, and credit hours. (Grade reports or report cards are not accepted; it must be a transcript.)
- Burger King employee information: if you are applying under the employee track, have the Burger King employee’s details ready (such as their employee ID or work location, and relationship to you). This will be needed to verify the employment eligibility.
- Create an Online Account: The Burger King Scholars application is hosted online (managed by Scholarship America). When the application period is open, visit the official BK Scholars portal. and click “Apply” or “Create an Account.” You’ll be prompted to register with a valid email address, create a username and password, and set up your student profile. (Make sure to use an email you check often, since that’s how you’ll receive application confirmations and results.)
- Complete the Application Form: Once registered, fill out the online scholarship application. This form will ask for your personal information (name, contact, residency, etc.), academic details (school, GPA), and information about your work experience, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and any honors/awards. Be thorough and truthful – this is where you showcase why you’re a strong candidate. Burger King employees/families: you will also enter the relevant employment info (e.g., the restaurant number or franchise details) to link your application to the employee-based track. There is no essay or recommendation letter required for the Burger King Scholarship – selection is based on the information you provide in the application form and your transcript.
- Upload Required Documents: Before submitting, you must upload your transcript as proof of academic record. The application portal will have a section to upload a PDF or image of your transcript. Double-check that the transcript is legible and includes all necessary details (name, school, courses, grades). If you are applying as an employee’s spouse/child, ensure that any requested proof of the employee’s status (if applicable) is provided or ready if asked. Typically, the initial application just asks for the employee’s info; verification documents (such as an employment verification letter) might be requested later for finalists.
- Review and Submit: Take the time to carefully review your entire application before hitting submit. Ensure every required field is completed (the system may not let you submit if something is missing). Use proper capitalization and format when entering your information (e.g., use standard capitalization for names and addresses). It’s a good idea to print or save a copy of your completed application for your records before submission. Once you’re satisfied, submit your application electronically by the deadline. (Note: After submitting, you cannot go back to edit, so make sure everything is final.)
- Application Timeline & Confirmation: The Burger King Scholarship application window opens in the fall and closes in mid-December each year (specific dates can vary slightly – see the Important Deadlines section below). For example, in the recent cycle, applications were accepted from October 15, 2024 through December 16, 2024. Submit your application before the deadline (late submissions are not accepted). After submitting, you should receive an email confirmation from Scholarship America acknowledging receipt of your application. Keep this confirmation for your records.
- After You Apply – Selection and Notification: Once the application period closes, all eligible applications are reviewed by Scholarship America and the Burger King Foundation. Scholarship recipients are selected in the spring. According to the Burger King Foundation, winners (and all applicants) are notified by email around April of the following year. (In recent cycles, notifications have gone out by April – for instance, 2024-2025 applicants will be notified in April 2025) If you are selected as a potential recipient, you may be asked to provide additional documentation (such as proof of enrollment or Burger King employment verification) before your award is finalized. If you’re not selected, you will also be notified.
- Award Acceptance and Disbursement: Recipients will typically need to sign an acceptance form to receive the scholarship and provide details of the college they will attend. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the educational institution. Burger King Scholarships are paid in one lump sum, usually in early August before the academic year starts. A check will be mailed to your home address (from Scholarship America) made out to your college, which you then forward to your school’s financial office. The funds can then be applied to your tuition, fees, or other eligible education expenses. (For students pursuing shorter enrichment programs, or for the large Whopper award recipients, the payment schedule might differ slightly, but for most recipients it’s a one-time payment in August.)
Pro Tip: Apply as early as possible once the application opens. Not only does this help you avoid last-minute technical issues, but historically the program caps the number of applications for manageability. (For example, in a recent year, the application portal would close after 50,000 applications were received, even if that was before the deadline.) “Apply early!” is even stated on the BK Scholars site.
By starting early, you also give yourself time to fix any errors or gather any missing information well before the deadline rush.
Award Amounts and Benefits
One of the exciting aspects of the Burger King Scholarship is the range of award amounts available. Scholarship awards range from $1,000 up to $60,000 for the most outstanding students.
Here’s a breakdown of the award levels and what they mean:
- WHOPPER® Scholarship – $60,000: This is the top-tier award. Each year, three (3) students are selected to receive the James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship, worth $60,000 each. These are typically awarded to the absolute top applicants (often Burger King employees or their children, but high-achieving general applicants may also be considered). This award was created by the McLamore family to make a life-changing impact for the recipients.
- Nancy S. McLamore Scholarship – $20,000: Introduced recently, this is a $20,000 award given to one very deserving Burger King team member (employee) each year. It honors Nancy McLamore (James McLamore’s wife) and highlights an exceptional Burger King employee’s academic ambitions.
- King Awards – $10,000: Burger King divides its operations into regions. Each year up to six (6) Burger King employees (one per region) receive a King Award of $10,000. These go to top-ranking employee-applicants in each region.
- Regional Awards – $5,000: Additionally, up to twelve (12) employees (two per region) receive Regional Scholarships of $5,000. These recognize outstanding Burger King team members in each region, beyond the King Award winners.
- Burger King General Scholarships – $1,000: The vast majority of awards are $1,000 scholarships. Each year, over 4,000 students win $1,000 awards. This includes high school seniors and Burger King employees (or their children) from across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Guam. These $1,000 scholarships may not cover full tuition, but they certainly help reduce expenses for textbooks, fees, or a big portion of community college tuition. The program’s goal is to have at least one $1,000 scholarship winner from every Burger King restaurant nationwide, which encourages franchisees to support as many local students/employees as possible.
All Burger King Scholarships are non-renewable, one-time awards. However, there is a slight exception for those on the employee track: if you are a Burger King employee or dependent who wins a $1,000 scholarship, you can reapply in subsequent years for another award (up to a maximum of 4 years) as long as you still meet the eligibility.
For example, a crew member who got $1,000 for their freshman year of college could reapply the next year and potentially get another $1,000 for sophomore year, etc. (up to $4,000 total over four years). The larger awards ($5k, $10k, $20k, $60k) are one-time only – if you receive one of those, you’re not eligible to reapply for another scholarship in future years
How can the scholarship money be used?
Burger King Scholarship funds are intended to offset the cost of attending college or post-secondary vocational/technical school. The money is paid directly to your institution and can typically be applied toward tuition, mandatory fees, books, or other academic expenses. Since the check is made out to the college on your behalf, you won’t be able to use it for non-education expenses. But this means that if you have any outstanding tuition or fees, those will be covered first. Any excess (for example, if you have other scholarships that cover tuition) might usually go to other costs like textbooks or room and board, depending on your school’s policies. Essentially, the benefit to winners is clear: free money for college, which reduces the need for student loans or out-of-pocket payment.
Beyond the monetary benefit, being a Burger King Scholar is a recognition that you can add to your achievements. It’s an honor that can be noted on resumes or scholarship resumes, showing that you were selected among thousands of applicants. The Burger King Foundation also sometimes highlights scholars in their communications, and as an alumnus of the program, you join a network of past BK Scholars. While there’s no formal required “service” as a scholar, the Foundation may invite recipients to remain engaged (for example, through surveys or optional events) and potentially share their stories as inspiration for future applicants.
Important Deadlines
The Burger King Scholars Program follows an annual cycle, with applications accepted in the fall for scholarships disbursed the following academic year. It’s critical to know the timeline so you don’t miss your chance. Below are the key dates for the Burger King Scholarship:
| Milestone | Date (Annual Cycle) |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | Mid-October each year (e.g. October 16, 2023 for the 2024-25 cycle). In 2024, it opened on October 15. |
| Application Deadline | Mid-December each year (e.g. December 15, 2023 for 2024-25). In 2024, the deadline was Dec 16. (Typically the window is about 8 weeks in the fall.) |
| Application Review | January – March (after submission closes, Scholarship America and BK Foundation review applications). |
| Notification of Winners | Spring the following year (usually April). For the last cycle, recipients were slated to be notified in April 2025. (In some past years it has been by May, but lately April is the target.) |
| Scholarship Award Paid | Summer before fall semester (around early August). Checks for winners are mailed out in early August to the students’ homes, payable to their college. |
Please note: Always check the official Burger King Scholars website for the most current dates each year. For example, the Foundation’s press release in 2023 announced the window would open on October 16 and close on December 15 for that year. In 2024, the dates were Oct 15 to Dec 16. They are usually similar year-to-year, but it’s good to confirm in case of any changes. Also, remember that if an application cap (like 50,000 submissions) is reached before the deadline, the application might close early– another reason to not procrastinate.
After submitting your application, keep an eye on your email during April and May. That is when notification emails are sent to all applicants. If you are selected, follow the instructions in your winner notification to accept the scholarship and verify your enrollment. If you don’t hear back by mid-May, it likely means you were not selected (you can always try again next year if still eligible, or encourage a sibling/colleague to apply!).
Tips for a Strong Application
Thousands of students apply for the Burger King Scholarship each year, so it’s important to make your application stand out. Here are some tips to increase your chances of winning:
- Start Early and Don’t Miss the Deadline: As mentioned, apply as early as possible once the application opens. Early application ensures you avoid any last-minute issues and guarantees your submission if there is a cap. Mark the deadline on your calendar (mid-December) and set reminders. Late or incomplete applications won’t be considered, so give yourself plenty of time.
- Meet All Eligibility Requirements: This may sound obvious, but double-check that you meet all criteria before you apply – e.g., correct status (high school senior or BK employee/family), minimum GPA 2.0, and proper residency. If you’re unsure about any requirement, clarify it before submitting. Don’t waste your shot by overlooking a basic eligibility rule.
- Gather Transcripts and Documents in Advance: Request your high school transcript early (or download an unofficial copy) so you have it ready to upload. If you’re an employee applicant, make sure you know your restaurant number or have proof of your employment tenure if needed. Having all documents on hand will make the online application smoother.
- Highlight Your Achievements and Involvement: The selection committee considers more than just grades. They will look at your work experience, extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership roles. Use the application sections to showcase how well-rounded you are. For example: mention any part-time jobs (even beyond Burger King), clubs or sports you participated in, volunteer work or community projects, and any honors or awards you’ve earned. Be specific about your roles and accomplishments (e.g. “Treasurer of Science Club, managed a budget of $500” or “Volunteered 100+ hours at local food bank”). A rich profile of involvement can set you apart.
- Emphasize Community Service: Burger King Foundation’s mission strongly values community service. If you have volunteer work or civic engagement, make sure to include it. If you haven’t done much yet, consider getting involved in a service activity during your senior year – not just for this application, but as a genuinely rewarding experience that also strengthens your scholarship applications. Quality matters more than quantity; even a single meaningful volunteer experience, if described well, can demonstrate your character.
- Demonstrate Financial Need (If Applicable): While not strictly a need-based scholarship, financial need is one factor considered. There may be a section to indicate if you have financial hardship or to list FAFSA Expected Family Contribution, etc. If your family has significant financial need, make sure to communicate that in the application if given the opportunity. On the flip side, everyone is eligible regardless of income – having a higher family income doesn’t disqualify you, since merit and service are weighed heavily too. Just be honest and clear about your situation.
- Write Clearly and Concisely: Although there isn’t a long essay, treat every short-answer field as an opportunity to make an impression. Be clear and proofread your responses. Avoid spelling or grammar mistakes. Use active and positive language to describe your experiences (“I led a team of volunteers to organize a fundraiser…” sounds better than “I was part of a fundraiser…”). Clarity and professionalism in your writing show that you put effort into the application.
- Follow Instructions Exactly: This program is administered by Scholarship America, and they are strict about application requirements. Follow all formatting guidelines (for example, the form might specify how to enter phone numbers or dates). If the instruction says “enter names in standard capitalization” or to not use abbreviations, follow that. Little details can matter if it comes down to completeness. Also, do not leave any required question blank. An incomplete application (or one that’s not submitted by the deadline) will be rejected.
- Save Confirmation and Documents: After submitting, save the confirmation email you receive. It’s proof that you applied. Also save a PDF or printout of your final application. In case there’s any issue or if you want to reference what you wrote (for example, if you apply again next year, it helps to remember what you submitted previously).
- Stay Organized and Patient: After applying, patience is key. It can be several months before results are announced. In the meantime, don’t be afraid to apply for other scholarships as well – even Burger King encourages education, so maximize your funding by exploring multiple opportunities. If you do win the Burger King Scholarship, congratulations! Be sure to respond promptly to any communication from the Foundation or Scholarship America to accept your award.
Following these tips won’t guarantee a scholarship (since there is a lot of competition), but they will ensure that you submit the strongest application possible and avoid common pitfalls. Remember that scholarship selection is holistic– they are looking at who you are as much as what you’ve done. Show your passion, dedication, and need, and you’ll increase your odds of becoming a Burger King Scholar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is eligible to apply for the Burger King Scholarship?
High school seniors living in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, or Canada are eligible to apply – you do not need to have any affiliation with Burger King for the general track. Additionally, Burger King employees, their spouses or domestic partners, and their children in those regions can apply under a separate track. All applicants must have at least a 2.0 GPA and plan to enroll in a college or vocational program in the coming year (see the Eligibility Criteria above for full details).
- Do I have to work at Burger King to get this scholarship?
No. The scholarship is open to the general public (any qualifying high school senior) and to Burger King employees/families. There are dedicated awards for Burger King team members, but a large number of awards go to students with no Burger King work connection as well. In short, Burger King employees and their families are eligible, but not required – both groups have opportunities under the BK Scholars Program.
- How much money can I win from the Burger King Scholars Program?
Scholarship awards range from $1,000 up to $60,000. The most common award is $1,000 (thousands of those are given out each year), but a few high-achieving applicants will earn larger scholarships – for example, three students each year receive the top $60,000 WHOPPER® Scholarship, and there are other awards of $5,000, $10,000, $20,000 for select recipients. Every scholarship, no matter the amount, is a one-time award (not automatically renewable), though employee recipients of $1,000 can reapply in future years for another award
- Is the Burger King Scholarship renewable? Can it be won more than once?
The general $1,000 scholarships for high school seniors are one-time only – if you receive it as a senior, you cannot reapply in college for another BK scholarship. However, if you are a Burger King employee or an employee’s dependent who receives a $1,000 award, you are allowed to reapply each year you remain eligible (up to 4 years maximum). No individual can receive more than $4,000 total via multiple $1,000 awards. The larger awards (like the $5k, $10k, $20k, $60k) are once-in-a-lifetime; recipients of those are not eligible to reapply for additional awards. You can win at most one scholarship per year, and general student winners only get one year. In contrast, employee track winners could potentially win in multiple years (with the $1k award).
- What can the scholarship funds be used for?
The funds are sent directly to your college and are intended to cover education-related expenses. Typically, the money will go toward your tuition and mandatory fees first. If those are already covered by other aid, it can usually be applied to other costs like textbooks, supplies, or room and board. Since the check is made out to the school for your benefit, you won’t receive the money in hand to spend freely – it must be used for your schooling. This is good because it ensures the scholarship directly reduces your college costs. Be sure to coordinate with your college’s financial aid/bursar office when you receive a scholarship to understand how it will be applied to your student account.
- When is the application period and what is the deadline?
The Burger King Scholars application is open in the fall each year, generally from mid-October to mid-December. In the 2025 cycle, applications opened October 15, 2024 and closed December 16, 2024. Expect a similar timeframe each year (usually around October 15 to December 15, give or take a day). The exact dates are announced on the Burger King Foundation’s website and scholarship portal in early fall. All applications must be submitted by the deadline – there are no extensions. Also keep in mind the potential for an application cap; it’s wise to submit well before the final date.
- How do I apply for the Burger King Scholarship?
You apply online through the Burger King Scholars portal. During the application window, you can access the application via the Burger King Foundation’s scholarship page or directly at burgerking.scholarsapply.org. You’ll register an account, fill out the application form (with your personal, academic, and extracurricular details), and upload your transcript. There is no essay and no recommendation letter required – selection is based on the application form and supporting documents. Our “Application Process” section above provides a detailed step-by-step guide.
- What factors does the selection committee consider?
Burger King Scholars are selected based on a well-rounded evaluation. According to the Burger King Foundation, they consider your academic achievement (GPA), work experience (this could be part-time jobs like working at Burger King or elsewhere), extracurricular activities, community service, and financial need. There isn’t a singular criterion like a test score or class rank that guarantees a win – instead, the committee looks at the overall picture of each applicant. This means even if you have average grades, strong involvement in work and community could make you a strong candidate (and vice versa). Make sure your application highlights strengths in each of these areas as much as possible.
- How many scholarships are awarded each year?
The number of scholarships can vary depending on fundraising, but it is significantly large. In recent years, Burger King has awarded about 4,000 scholarships of $1,000 each year (or more), plus the special higher-value awards (dozens of those combined). For instance, in one cycle the Foundation offered 3 awards of $60k, 1 of $20k, 6 of $10k, 12 of $5k, in addition to the thousands of $1k awards. The program has been growing – Burger King’s aim of “one scholarship per restaurant” would mean over 7,000 scholarships each year if fully realized. So while it’s very competitive, there are also a lot of opportunities to win something. Each Burger King franchise that raises funds will typically see at least one of their local applicants win a $1,000 scholarship, if not more.
- Do I need to submit a FAFSA or prove financial need?
There is no explicit requirement to submit the FAFSA as part of the BK Scholars application, and the scholarship is not restricted to low-income students. However, the application may ask for some information related to your family’s financial situation or college financial plans. Financial need is just one factor in the selection. You should answer any questions about finances honestly, but having high or low need doesn’t automatically make or break your application. Unlike strictly need-based scholarships, you won’t be disqualified for earning “too much” – the focus is on merit and involvement first, with need as an additional consideration.
- If I win, what’s next?
If you are selected as a winner (congratulations!), you will be notified by email (usually by April). You’ll likely need to fill out a Scholarship Acceptance Form and provide proof of enrollment at your chosen college. Scholarship America (the administrator) will then process your award. By early August, expect to receive a check at your home address, payable to your college. You will need to forward that check to your college’s financial aid or bursar office (or follow the school’s instructions for third-party scholarships). Make sure the college applies it to your account. You might also be asked to participate in some brief surveys or updates by the Burger King Foundation (totally optional and for program feedback). There is no further obligation – it’s a grant, not a loan or work program. Just remember to thank the Burger King Foundation and perhaps your local franchisee; it’s a nice gesture as they are the ones funding these scholarships.
