Higher education is one of the best investments you can make, but the price tag can be daunting. Enter McDonald’s.
Beyond the Golden Arches, the company has become a massive benefactor for students through various scholarship programs.
Whether you are a high school senior of Hispanic heritage, a student planning to attend an HBCU, or a medical researcher, there is likely a program for you.
Scholarship Summary: Which Program is Right for You?
McDonald’s offers different funding streams depending on your background and educational goals. It is vital to apply for the correct one.
1. McDonald’s HACER® National Scholarship
This is the flagship program for students of Hispanic/Latino heritage. It is one of the largest programs in the country, awarding up to $100,000 to top-tier recipients.
- Best for: High school seniors.
- Award: Tiered awards ranging from $5,000 to $100,000.
2. McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden® Scholarship
Partnering with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), this program supports students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
- Best for: Students attending or planning to attend an HBCU.
- Award: Up to $15,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year.
3. APIA Scholarship (APA Next)
In partnership with APIA Scholars, this fund supports Asian and Pacific Islander American students.
- Best for: APIA students with strong community involvement.
- Award: One-time awards of $5,000 or multi-year awards up to $20,000.
4. MSIF McDonald Fellowship (Medical Research)
Note: This is distinct from the college scholarships above.
Offered by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, this is for post-graduate researchers from low-to-middle-income countries working on MS research.
- Best for: PhD or Master’s level researchers.
- Award: Approx. £30,000 GBP/year (fully funded).
2026 Eligibility and Selection Process
The following table outlines the specific requirements for the most popular undergraduate programs (HACER and Black & Positively Golden) for the 2026 cycle.
| Criteria | HACER® National Scholarship | Black & Positively Golden® |
| Target Audience | High school seniors with at least one parent of Hispanic heritage. | Students attending/planning to attend an HBCU (TMCF member school). |
| GPA Requirement | Minimum 2.8 GPA. | Minimum 2.7 GPA. |
| Age Limit | Must be under 21 years old. | No specific age cap listed, but must be an undergraduate. |
| Residency | U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or DACA/DREAMer. | U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident. |
| Enrollment | Full-time at a 2-year or 4-year accredited institution. | Full-time at a TMCF member HBCU/PBI. |
| Selection Factors | Academic achievement, financial need, community service, personal interview. | Leadership ability, financial need, essay answers. |
2026 Application Timeline
Missing a deadline is the most common reason for rejection. Mark these confirmed dates for 2026 on your calendar immediately.
| Program | Application Opens | Deadline to Apply | Result Notification |
| HACER® National | Fall 2025 | February 17, 2026 | May/June 2026 |
| Black & Positively Golden® | September 15, 2025 | April 24, 2026 | Summer 2026 |
| MSIF McDonald Fellowship | Summer 2025 | December 1, 2025 (for ’26 cycle) | Spring 2026 |
Note: Deadlines are subject to change by the scholarship administrators. Always verify on the official portal.
How to Apply for McDonald’s Scholarships 2026
The application process is rigorous but straightforward. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of winning.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Do not wait until the night before. You will need:
- Transcripts: An official high school transcript showing your GPA.
- Letter of Recommendation: Usually from a teacher, counselor, or community leader. (Note: For HACER, this is submitted online by the recommender).
- Community Service List: A detailed log of your volunteer hours, roles, and the impact you made.
- FAFSA Info: While the FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI) is not required for the initial HACER application, it will be required if you are selected as a semi-finalist.
Step 2: The Personal Statement
For the HACER scholarship, you must submit a personal statement.
- Tip: This is your chance to tell your story. Don’t just list your grades. Discuss your heritage, financial challenges, and how you plan to give back to your community.
- For Black & Positively Golden: You must answer a short essay question (approx. 100 words) regarding your values and community impact.
Step 3: Submit Online
- HACER: Apply via the McDonald’s HACER official page.
- Black & Positively Golden: Apply via the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) portal.
- MSIF Fellowship: Apply via the MSIF research website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to work at McDonald’s to get these scholarships?
No. The HACER, Black & Positively Golden, and APIA scholarships are open to the general public.
Is the HACER scholarship only for US Citizens?
No. The HACER scholarship is open to U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents, and DREAMers/DACA recipients.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 scholarship cycle offers millions of dollars in aid, but competition is fierce. The McDonald’s HACER program alone selects only 30-100 winners from thousands of applicants.
To stand out, focus heavily on your community impact. McDonald’s prioritizes students who are not just academically gifted, but who are also change-makers in their neighborhoods.
Ready to apply?
Visit the McDonald’s Community Page to start your application before the February 17, 2026 deadline.
Emily Carter is an academic writer with 7+ years of experience in education research, specializing in scholarships, admissions, and student calculators. She creates clear, reliable and helpful content to support students in making informed academic decisions.
