This study tested the factor structure, reliability, and criterion validity of the Academic Encouragement Scale (AES) in 690 university students in China. The AES displayed good internal consistency and test--retest reliability. The data provided evidence supporting a two-factor structure: challenge focused encouragement (CFE) and potential focused encouragement (PFE). The two factors were independent predictors of academic engagement. Hope was positively linked with PFE but not with CFE. By contrast, gratitude was positively correlated with CFE but not with PFE. The findings provide preliminary evidence to support the validity and reliability of the AES in an academic context in China.