<![CDATA[ABSTRACT The low participation of vocational high school graduates in pursuing higher education remains a major challenge in Indonesian vocational education, despite the important role of higher education in improving graduates' competencies and competitiveness. Learning motivation is considered one of the internal factors associated with students' intention to continue their studies. This study aimed to examine the relationship between learning motivation and the intention to pursue higher education among eleventh-grade Mechanical Engineering students at SMKN 1 Sumatera Barat. A quantitative correlational design was employed. The sample consisted of 79 students selected using simple random sampling and proportional random sampling techniques. Data were collected through a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, normality and linearity tests, and Pearson Product Moment correlation with IBM SPSS Statistics 23. The findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between learning motivation and students' intention to pursue higher education (r = 0.612, p = 0.000). These findings indicate that strengthening students' learning motivation may enhance their educational aspirations. Therefore, schools should implement academic guidance, career counseling, and higher education information programs to foster students' motivation and encourage them to continue their studies. ABSTRAK Rendahnya partisipasi lulusan SMK dalam melanjutkan pendidikan ke perguruan tinggi masih menjadi tantangan pendidikan vokasi di Indonesia, meskipun pendidikan tinggi berperan penting dalam meningkatkan kompetensi dan daya saing lulusan. Salah satu faktor internal yang diduga berkaitan dengan minat melanjutkan studi adalah motivasi belajar. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis hubungan antara motivasi belajar dengan minat melanjutkan studi ke perguruan tinggi pada siswa kelas XI Program Keahlian Teknik Mesin di SMKN 1 Sumatera Barat. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan desain korelasional. Sampel berjumlah 79 siswa yang dipilih melalui simple random sampling dan proportional random sampling. Data dikumpulkan menggunakan angket skala Likert dan dianalisis melalui statistik deskriptif, uji normalitas, uji linearitas, serta korelasi Pearson Product Moment menggunakan IBM SPSS Statistics 23. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat hubungan positif dan signifikan antara motivasi belajar dengan minat melanjutkan studi (r = 0,612; p = 0,000). Temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa peningkatan motivasi belajar berpotensi memperkuat orientasi siswa untuk melanjutkan pendidikan ke perguruan tinggi. Oleh karena itu, sekolah perlu mengembangkan program yang mampu meningkatkan motivasi belajar melalui bimbingan akademik, layanan karier, dan penyediaan informasi pendidikan tinggi.]]>
