The multiple characteristics of students motivate universities to provide a learning environment that integrates teaching and learning in one and to strengthen students’ learning motivation through student-oriented learning mode, so as to enhance students’ input in study. In this study, the concept of depth learning is adopted to measure students’ input in study and to explore the effectiveness of specialized learning modes and students’ learning outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse a sample of 2,340 students from 16 Taiwanese higher education institutions by structural equation modelling. The results showed that specialized learning modes (explorative and exploitative learning) could increase deep approach to learning. Explorative and exploitative learning have positive effects on learning outcomes (cognitive gains and non-cognitive gains). Deep approach to learning has significant mediating effect between learning modes and learning outcomes.