Based on the self-determination theory, this study examined the mediating role of intrinsic motivation with respect to the relationship between basic psychological needs satisfaction and students’ academic engagement. Data was collected from a sample of 365 agriculture students at five public universities in western Iran. Data was collected by employing standardized self-administered scales, which was subsequently analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling by the help of the SmartPLS 3.0 software. The results of this study indicated that the satisfaction of the basic psychological need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness exerted direct and positive effects on intrinsic motivation. In addition, the three basic psychological needs satisfaction had indirect and positive effects on academic engagement via intrinsic motivation. This study provides a unique perspective through which educators and researchers may effectively recognize the role of basic psychological needs satisfaction in facilitating and promoting academic motivation and engagement in universities.
