Excellence in institutions of higher learning (IHL) very often focused to academic performance while the development of student personalities is marginal. The objective of this study was to explore factors that drive student engagement in physical activity and the impact of the involvement towards academic performance and personality growth. The respondent consists of 61 diploma students from various field of studies at a private university. All of them are taking a compulsory course namely MPU2412 Sports for 14 weeks between January until May 2016. A questionnaire were used to collect data from the students at the last week of the semester. The six dimensions assessed are (i) self-expression, (ii) the role of parents, family members and schools, (iii) interests, (iv) the influence of environment and facilities provided, (v) involvement in clubs and associations activities, (vi) knowledge, and (vii) internal motivation. The data is then analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22. The research findings reveal that there is a small value of Pearson’s R to indicate the linear relationship between student academic performance and their engagement on physical activities which are cycling (.258), competing (.181), exercising (.176) and jogging (.001). The irregular activities in sports negatively impact the learning process. The researcher suggest the negative value for plays sport (-.135) is due to the consequences of unplanned activities as compared to competing which normally received strict supervision, training, guidance and monitoring from the university. The findings also shows that most of the students are realized that physical activities might plays important roles and contribute for the development of their cognitive ability thus might affect their academic performance. However, lack of internal motivation among themselves become the limiting factor for them to actively engage in physical activities. The researcher strongly suggest for the institution to develop better sport and exercise facilities and organized more well planned physical activity program for students with the ultimate aim to improve students’ personality and their academic performance.