The outcome of student self-direction in learning may be influenced by a range of factors, such as students' personal characteristics and their perception of learning environment. The study aimed to identifying factors influencing self-directed learning readiness among fourth year nursing students at Faculty of Nursing, Benha University. The study sample was all fourth year nursing students in academic year 2009- 2010 (214 students). Three different tools were used for data collection; self-directed learning readiness scale (40 items), students achievement goal scale (20 items) and student' perception of learning environment questionnaire (36 items). The result showed that the highest percent of students were having readiness for self-directed learning and their scores were leaning toward the end, students reported neutral perception of their learning environment, and achievement goal orientation of the majority of them was mastery and performance, there was no significant correlation between students' self-directed learning readiness and their personnel characteristics, students' self-directed learning readiness was significantly and positively correlated with their perception of learning environment, mastery, performance achievement goals and significantly negatively correlated with alienation achievement goal. The study recommended; development of methods for assessing students, focus on measuring students' qualitative learning outcomes, conduct training programs for teaching staff about developing electronic courses and designing and using self-directed learning activities in their teaching.