This study aimed to detect the factors that affect nursing students' self-directed learning at faculty of nursing in Minia University. Setting: The present study was conducted at nursing faculty in Minia University. Research design: This study used descriptive comparative research design. Subjects: Subjects of the study included a total coverage sample of all four academic years nursing students during academic year (2013-2014). Total number of students were (n=777). Tools of data collection included two parts, part one: demographic characteristics of the sample, Part two comprised of scale for self-directed learning factors (three major factors subtitled by 60 statements) Results: female nursing students have the highest mean score for all major factors related to feeling successful and satisfied in studies and their characteristics which were 28.45, 44.19 and 145 respectively. The 1st year nursing students have the highest mean score for the same factors were (29.75 ±4.37), (44.91±5.42) and (1.51E2 ±19.04) respectively. Conclusions: the 1st year nursing students and female students have the highest mean score for all major factors. This study recommended providing self-directed learning opportunities for promoting SDLR of the nursing students by motivating them and providing training, and educational resources for carrying out teaching learning process.