Abstract: The research purpose is to investigate the relationship between different types of motivation and self-esteem with emphasis on the mediating role of happiness. Therefore, a sample of 300 college students (130 male students and 170 female students) was selected through random stratified sampling from among the Farhangian University of Sistan and Balouchestan Province. The data gathering tools included Oxford Happiness Inventory, Cooper-Smith self-esteem Questionnaire and Academic Motivation Scale and Vallerand Academic Motivation Scale. The data were analyzed using path analysis and independent t-test. Results indicated that autonomous motivation exerts direct and positive effect on the self-esteem. Whereas, controlled motivation produces direct and negative effect on the self-esteem. Moreover, both of the variables (autonomous and controlled motivations) have indirect and significant impact on the self-esteem with mediating role of happiness. The t-test indicated no support for between-group difference in terms of the type of motivation and levels of self-esteem and happiness among male and female individuals.