["European Journal of Education, Volume 61, Issue 3, September 2026. ", "\nABSTRACT\nGuided by Self‐Determination Theory, this study proposed a serial mediation model to examine how AI personalization influences university students' AI learning engagement. Data from 390 university students using AI‐assisted English learning tools were analysed using structural equation modelling. The findings reveal that AI personalization is directly associated with engagement and indirectly influenced it via perceived autonomy and AI learning interest separately, as well as sequentially through both mediators. These findings elucidate the internal motivational logic of AI‐driven engagement, enriching theoretical research on autonomous motivation and psychological need satisfaction within intelligent language learning contexts. On a practical level, the current study offers evidence‐based suggestions for designing AI tools that support learning interest and sustained engagement in higher education.\n"]