This study investigated facets of the teaching and learning environment which motivate student learning. Interviews were conducted with 36 students from nine representative undergraduate degree programs in Hong Kong. The interviewees were asked to describe teaching approaches and learning activities typical of their program. They were asked about the effect of these on their motivation. Analysis of the transcripts, using a grounded theory approach, revealed that motivation was enhanced through a teaching and learning environment with eight supportive conditions, namely, establishing relevance, establishing interest, allowing choice of courses, learning activities, teaching for understanding, assessment of learning activities, close teacher-student relationships and sense of belonging between classmates.