Objective To explore the mediating effect of academic delay of gratification between future time perspective and deep learning of nursing interns, so as to provide a reference for nursing educators to cultivate deep learning ability of clinical nursing interns.Methods A total of 251 clinical nursing interns were surveyed by using the Academic Delay of Gratification Scale（ADOGS）, the General Future Time Perspective Scale and the College Students′ Deep Learning Questionnaire.Results The nursing interns scored （27.32±2.77） points in ADOGS, （56.44±8.41） points in future time perspective, and （81.46±16.70） points in deep learning, respectively.There was a significant positive correlation between academic delay of gratification, future time perspective and deep learning （all P＜0.05）, and the mediating effect between academic delay of gratification and deep learning was 10.29%.Conclusion The nursing interns were having a moderate level of academic delay of gratification, future time perspective, and deep learning ability.Future time perspective and academic delay of gratification have a direct predictive effect on deep learning, and academic delay of gratification plays a partial mediating role between future time perspective and deep learning.The deep learning ability of nursing interns can be improved by enhancing their academic delay of gratification and future time perspective.