[Objective] to explore the relationship between depression, self-esteem and academic burnout of college students. [Methods] 302 college students were tested with self rating depression scale, self esteem scale and academic burnout scale, and the data were analyzed. [results] there was a positive correlation between academic burnout and depression (r = 0.859, P < 0.01). It was negatively correlated with self-esteem (r = - 0.816, P < 0.01). Self-esteem partially mediated the effect of depression on learning burnout (t = - 4.972, P < 0.001) [Conclusion] college students' academic burnout is related to depression and low self-esteem, so it is necessary to strengthen the psychological counseling and self-esteem level training of college students.