The study aims at understanding the role of entrepreneurship education as a moderator on entrepreneurial motivation and youth entrepreneurial readiness. The human capital, incentive and cognitive evaluation theory form the theoretical framework of the study. Data (n=490) were gathered from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) students through a cross-sectional approach. The study used hypothetical deductive approach through structural equation modelling (SEM). Intrinsic and extrinsic motives as two sub-constructs of entrepreneurial motivation are regressed as the motives of youth entrepreneurship. Findings revealed positive and significant impacts of entrepreneurial motivation (including intrinsic and extrinsic motives) on readiness towards new business start-up. Entrepreneurship education plays a higher moderator role on the entrepreneurial motivation (including intrinsic motives and extrinsic motives) of youth. The study contributes and lends support to literature on motives of creating and sustaining new business ventures. This study contributes on how youth can be fully engaged and developed through various crucial motives. The motives of doing business are very important for successful ventures. As extrinsic motives show higher impact on new business start-up among youth, intrinsic motives are also crucial for sustenance of new business ventures. Evaluating the motives of setting up business will provide researchers and policy makers with an overview of the reasons why youths engage in entrepreneurial activities.