Burger King Scholarship 2026-2027: Complete Application Guide

The Burger King scholarship program has been supporting students for years, offering financial awards that range from $1,000 all the way up to $60,000.

Whether you’re a high school senior planning for college or already working on your undergraduate degree, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying.

What Is the Burger King Scholarship?

The Burger King McLamore Foundation created this scholarship program to honor James W. McLamore, one of the company’s co-founders. He believed strongly in education and giving back to communities, and this program carries on that legacy.

Unlike many scholarships that focus only on perfect grades, this program looks at the whole picture. Yes, your academic performance matters, but so does your leadership in school activities, your involvement in community service, and your work ethic. The foundation wants to support students who show dedication and potential, not just those with the highest test scores.

Who Runs This Program?

The Burger King McLamore Foundation, a nonprofit organization, manages the entire scholarship program. They’ve awarded millions of dollars to students across North America since the program began. The foundation operates independently from the restaurant company, focusing solely on educational support.

Scholarship Awards for 2026-2027

The application for the 2026-2027 academic year typically opens in October 2025. Here’s what you could receive:

Award Type	Amount	Duration	Number of Recipients
General Scholarships	$1,000 – $5,000	One-time	Approximately 3,500 students
WHOPPER® Award	$50,000 – $60,000	Multi-year	Select high achievers

Understanding the WHOPPER® Award

This prestigious recognition goes to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential. The name might sound quirky, but the award is serious—it can cover a significant portion of your college expenses over multiple years.

Recipients typically receive their funds distributed across their undergraduate education, helping with tuition, books, and other educational costs. The foundation disburses payments directly to your college or university, ensuring the money goes toward your education.

Burger King scholarship Eligibility and Requirements

Before you start your application, make sure you meet these basic requirements:

Academic Standing

• Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school

Residency Requirements

• U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or DACA recipient
• Residents of all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Guam may apply

Student Status

• High school seniors graduating in spring 2026
• Current undergraduate students already enrolled in college

Special Eligibility

• Employees of Burger King restaurants (must work minimum hours)
• Children of Burger King employees
• Spouses of Burger King employees

Does Financial Need Matter?

Yes, the foundation considers financial need when reviewing applications. You’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or provide other documentation showing your financial situation.

However, financial need isn’t the only factor—your achievements, leadership, and community involvement all play important roles.

Burger King Scholarship Important Dates and Deadlines

Mark these dates on your calendar:

Application Timeline

Milestone	Expected Date
Application Opens	Tuesday, October 1, 2025
Application Deadline	Monday, December 15, 2025*
Winner Notification	Late January 2026
Award Distribution	Fall 2026 semester

*The application closes on Monday, December 15, 2025, OR when 30,000 applications are received—whichever comes first. This makes applying early extremely important.

Why Apply Early?

The foundation receives tens of thousands of applications each year. Once they hit their 30,000 application cap, the portal closes, even if it’s before the deadline. Students who wait until December often find themselves locked out. Your best strategy? Submit your application in October or early November.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

Understanding how you can use scholarship funds helps you plan your college budget more effectively.

Approved Expenses

• Tuition and fees charged by your institution
• Required textbooks and course materials
• Laboratory fees and equipment
• Technology requirements for coursework
• Room and board (for WHOPPER® Award recipients)
• Transportation to and from campus (for multi-year awards)

The foundation sends scholarship funds directly to your school’s financial aid office. They don’t write checks to students. This system ensures the money supports your education as intended.

Are These Scholarships Renewable?

Most general scholarships are one-time awards. However, WHOPPER® Award recipients receive funding for up to four years, as long as they maintain satisfactory academic progress at their institution. This means keeping your GPA above the minimum threshold and making steady progress toward your degree.

How to Apply for Burger King Scholarship

Let’s break down exactly how to apply. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll get through it.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Visit the Burger King Foundation scholarship website and register for an account. You’ll need:

• A valid email address (check it regularly for updates)
• Basic personal information
• A secure password you’ll remember

The system saves your progress automatically, so you can log out and return later without losing your work.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

The online form asks about:

• Your academic history and GPA
• Extracurricular activities and leadership roles
• Community service and volunteer work
• Work experience (especially relevant for employee applicants)
• Career goals and chosen field of study

Pro tip: Keep a document with all this information before you start the application. Having everything in one place makes the process much faster.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

You’ll need to upload:

Official Transcripts Request these from your high school or current college. Most schools can send them electronically, which speeds up the process. Some institutions charge a small fee, so plan ahead.

Proof of Financial Need Complete your FAFSA at studentaid.gov. The foundation needs your Student Aid Report (SAR) number, which you receive after submitting FAFSA.

Letter of Recommendation (if required) Check whether your specific track requires recommendation letters. If so, ask a teacher, counselor, or supervisor who knows your work well. Give them at least two weeks’ notice—rushed letters rarely showcase your strengths effectively.

Step 4: Write Your Essay

This part intimidates many students, but it’s your chance to stand out. The foundation wants to hear your story in your own voice.

Essay Prompts Typically Cover

• Your educational and career goals
• Challenges you’ve overcome
• How you’ve demonstrated leadership
• Ways you’ve contributed to your community
• Why you need financial assistance
• What you’ll do with your education

The essay usually has a word limit between 500-1,000 words. Stay within this range—applications that exceed limits may be disqualified.

Step 5: Review and Submit

Before hitting submit:

• Read through everything twice
• Check that all documents uploaded correctly
• Verify your contact information is accurate
• Make sure your essay has no typos or grammatical errors
• Confirm you’ve answered every required question

Save a copy of your completed application. If questions arise later, you’ll have a reference.

Writing an Essay That Stands Out

Your essay carries significant weight in the selection process. Here’s how to make yours memorable for the right reasons.

Show, Don’t Just Tell

Instead of writing “I’m a leader,” describe a specific situation where you led others. Maybe you organized a food drive that collected 500 pounds of donations, or you started a tutoring program that helped 20 struggling students improve their grades.

Specific examples create vivid pictures in readers’ minds. They’re far more convincing than generic statements about your qualities.

Be Authentic

The reviewers read thousands of essays. They can spot insincere writing immediately. Don’t try to write what you think they want to hear. Instead, share what genuinely matters to you.

If you’re passionate about environmental science, talk about that. If you want to become a nurse because a healthcare worker helped your family during a crisis, share that story. Authenticity resonates with readers.

Connect Your Past to Your Future

Good essays create a clear narrative arc. They show:

• Where you’ve been (your background and experiences)
• Where you are now (your current situation and studies)
• Where you’re going (your goals and aspirations)
• How this scholarship helps you get there

This structure helps reviewers understand why investing in your education makes sense.

Address Financial Need Respectfully

Talking about money feels uncomfortable for many students. But remember, the foundation wants to help students who need financial support. Be honest about your family’s situation without being dramatic or overly emotional.

Focus on facts: “My family’s income places us below the state median, and my parents are supporting three children through college simultaneously.” This communicates need clearly and professionally.

Proofread Extensively

After you finish writing, step away for at least a day. Then come back and read it fresh. Better yet, ask someone else to read it—a teacher, counselor, parent, or friend. They’ll catch errors you’ve overlooked and can tell you if your meaning is clear.

Common mistakes to watch for:

• Spelling and grammar errors
• Inconsistent verb tenses
• Unclear pronoun references
• Redundant information
• Paragraphs that don’t flow logically

Different Scholarship Tracks

The foundation offers several paths, depending on your situation.

General High School Senior Track

This track serves the largest number of students. Any high school senior who meets the basic eligibility requirements can apply. The foundation looks for well-rounded students who balance academics with activities and service.

What Strengthens Your Application

• Consistent GPA improvement over time
• Leadership positions in school clubs or sports
• Regular volunteer work or community service
• Part-time employment (shows work ethic)
• Overcoming personal or family challenges

Employee-Based Track

This track recognizes that many students work at Burger King restaurants to help pay for school. If you’re an employee or the child or spouse of an employee, you may have an advantage in this track.

Additional Requirements

• Employees must work a minimum number of hours (check current requirements)
• Employment must be at a participating Burger King location
• Verify your employment status through the application portal

The foundation values the work ethic and responsibility that comes with holding down a job while pursuing education.

WHOPPER® Award Track

This highly competitive award goes to exceptional students who demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic achievement (typically 3.5 GPA or higher)
• Significant leadership roles and impact
• Extensive community service
• Clear career vision and goals
• Compelling personal story

Only a small percentage of applicants receive this award, but it provides life-changing support for college expenses.

Understanding Your Chances

Let’s talk realistically about acceptance rates and competition.

The Numbers

Based on available data:

• Approximately 30,000 students apply each year
• Around 3,500 students receive awards
• This creates roughly a 12% acceptance rate
• WHOPPER® Award acceptance rate is significantly lower

These statistics shouldn’t discourage you. Many students don’t submit complete applications or miss the deadline. A thoughtful, complete application significantly improves your odds.

What Sets Winners Apart?

After reviewing patterns in successful applications, several factors consistently appear:

Strong Academic Record While a 2.5 GPA qualifies you, most winners have higher GPAs. If your grades started rough but improved dramatically, address this in your essay. Growth and determination matter.

Genuine Leadership You don’t need to be student body president. Leadership appears in many forms:

• Mentoring younger students
• Organizing community events
• Starting a club or initiative
• Leading a project team at work
• Coordinating volunteer activities

Quality matters more than quantity. Deep involvement in one or two activities beats superficial participation in ten.

Clear Goals Winners articulate specific plans for their education and career. Instead of “I want to help people,” successful essays say “I plan to become a pediatric nurse practitioner serving underserved communities, which requires specific training in…”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applications get rejected for preventable reasons:

Missing Deadlines Remember, the application closes at 30,000 submissions or Monday, December 15, 2025—whichever comes first.

Incomplete Applications Missing documents or unanswered questions lead to automatic disqualification.

Generic Essays Essays that could apply to any scholarship or any student don’t stand out.

Exaggerating Accomplishments The foundation verifies information. Dishonesty disqualifies you permanently.

Ignoring Instructions If the application asks for 500 words, don’t submit 800. Following directions demonstrates respect and attention to detail.

Burger King Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens After You Submit?

Understanding the timeline after submission helps manage your expectations.

Review Process

After the deadline, the foundation’s scholarship committee begins reviewing applications. This process typically takes several weeks because they carefully evaluate thousands of submissions.

Reviewers consider:

• Academic performance and GPA trends
• Quality and authenticity of essays
• Leadership roles and community impact
• Financial need documentation
• Overall application completeness

Notification

Winners typically receive notification via email in late January 2026. Check your email regularly, including spam folders. Some students report that notification emails sometimes end up in spam.

If you’re selected, the email includes:

• Your award amount
• Next steps for accepting the scholarship
• Required documentation
• Timeline for fund distribution

If You Don’t Win

Not receiving the scholarship doesn’t reflect your worth as a student. With approximately 30,000 applicants and 3,500 awards, many qualified students don’t receive funding simply due to volume.

If you’re not selected:

• Apply for other scholarships (hundreds are available)
• Reapply next year if you’re still eligible
• Contact the foundation for feedback (not always available)
• Continue pursuing your education through other funding sources

Maximizing Your Chances

Beyond submitting a strong application, several strategies can improve your odds.

Build Your Profile Throughout High School

Don’t wait until senior year to start thinking about scholarships. Begin early:

Freshman and Sophomore Year

• Focus on maintaining good grades
• Join one or two activities you genuinely enjoy
• Start volunteering in your community

Junior Year

• Take on leadership roles in your activities
• Increase community service hours
• Research scholarships you’ll be eligible for
• Take PSAT for practice

Senior Year

• Apply for multiple scholarships, not just one
• Keep your grades strong through graduation
• Write and revise your essays carefully
• Meet all deadlines early

Document Your Achievements

Keep a running list throughout high school of:

• Awards and honors received
• Leadership positions held
• Community service hours and projects
• Work experience and responsibilities
• Skills developed through activities

This makes application completion much easier when the time comes.

Connect with Counselors

Your school counselor can:

• Review your application before submission
• Provide or request official transcripts
• Offer advice about highlighting your strengths
• Connect you with additional scholarship opportunities

Build a relationship with your counselor early—don’t wait until you need something urgently.

Alternative Funding Sources

While pursuing the Burger King scholarship, explore these additional opportunities:

Other National Scholarships

Many organizations offer similar programs:

• Coca-Cola Scholars Program ($20,000)
• Dell Scholars Program ($20,000 plus support)
• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation ($40,000)
• Gates Scholarship (full cost of attendance)

Local Scholarships

Community organizations often offer smaller scholarships with less competition:

• Local Rotary Club
• Community foundation
• Chamber of commerce
• Professional associations
• Religious organizations

Local scholarships typically range from $500 to $5,000, but applying for multiple can add up significantly.

Employer Scholarships

If your parents work for larger companies, check whether their employer offers scholarships for employees’ children. Many corporations provide this benefit.

School-Specific Aid

Once you’re accepted to colleges, they may offer:

• Merit scholarships based on your GPA and test scores
• Departmental scholarships for your major
• Need-based grants
• Work-study programs

Preparing for Success

Receiving a scholarship is just the beginning. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Maintain Your GPA

Scholarship requirements typically include maintaining a minimum GPA. Stay organized, attend classes regularly, and seek help when you need it. Most colleges offer:

• Free tutoring centers
• Writing labs
• Study groups
• Professor office hours

Manage Your Finances

Even with scholarship support, budget carefully:

• Track all expenses
• Distinguish between needs and wants
• Find student discounts
• Consider part-time work if manageable with studies

Stay Connected

Many scholarship programs, including Burger King McLamore Foundation, create networks of scholars. These connections can lead to:

• Mentorship opportunities
• Internship possibilities
• Professional networking
• Lifelong friendships

Give Back

As you succeed with scholarship support, consider how you can help future students. This might include:

• Mentoring high school students
• Volunteering with scholarship programs
• Sharing your application tips
• Contributing to scholarship funds once you’re established in your career

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The Burger King scholarship 2026-2027 represents a genuine opportunity to reduce your college costs and invest in your future. Yes, the application requires effort. Yes, competition exists. But the potential reward—thousands of dollars toward your education—makes that effort worthwhile.

Start your application early, tell your authentic story, and submit a complete, polished application. Even if you don’t win this particular scholarship, the skills you develop during the application process—writing, self-reflection, organization—will serve you throughout college and beyond.

Action Steps

1. Mark your calendar with Tuesday, October 1, 2025 (application opens) and Monday, December 15, 2025 (deadline)
2. Gather documents now: Request transcripts, complete FAFSA, collect information about your activities
3. Draft your essay: Start writing and revising early
4. Apply for multiple scholarships: Don’t put all your hopes on one opportunity
5. Stay organized: Create a spreadsheet tracking all scholarship deadlines and requirements

Ready to Apply?

Visit the Burger King McLamore Foundation website when applications open on Tuesday, October 1, 2025. Create your account, start your application, and take the first step toward funding your education.

Remember, every scholarship winner started exactly where you are now—wondering if they had a chance. The difference between those who receive awards and those who don’t often comes down to taking action. Submit that application. Tell your story. Pursue your education.

Your future self will thank you for the effort you put in today.