Purpose: This study aims to investigate the conditional indirect effect of academic self-efficacy in the interplay between academic motivation and academic satisfaction through academic engagement among university students. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study was performed on 1,638 Vietnamese university students (31.9% males and 68.1% females) aged 16 to 36 (Mean = 20.06, SD = 1.428). The participants filled out a questionnaire with the Vietnam versions of the General Self-Efficacy Scale, Academic Motivation Scale, Academic Life Satisfaction Scale and Academic Engagement Scale. Model 4 and Model 7 in the PROCESS macro were used for the mediation analysis and the moderated mediation analysis. Findings: Results showed that the indirect effect of academic engagement on the academic motivation-academic satisfaction link was significant. Furthermore, academic self-efficacy moderated this indirect effect. The indirect effect was stronger among students with high academic self-efficacy and weaker among students with low academic self-efficacy. Originality/value: This study's findings contribute to educational research on academic satisfaction and can be used by institutions of higher education and educators to enhance academic satisfaction among university students.