Drawing upon self-determination theory, this study investigated how entrepreneurial self-efficacy and study engagement mediate the relationship between the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, specifically autonomy, competence, relatedness, and students’ entrepreneurial career intentions. Data were collected from 302 Chinese bachelor students who enrolled in an entrepreneurship course. Students filled in a questionnaire before and after the course. Results of structural equation modeling revealed that the satisfaction of need for competence significantly and positively related to students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy, which in turn fostered entrepreneurial career intentions. Both the satisfaction of need for autonomy and the satisfaction of need for competence positively related to study engagement. Nevertheless, the relationship between study engagement and entrepreneurial career intentions was not significant. This study provides insights into the role of self-determined motivations in the formation of entrepreneurial career intentions. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
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