This dataset is for dissertation titled 'Engagement and well-being in tertiary students: the relashionship between study demands and grit'. A quantitative cross-sectional survey-based design was used to obtain the data. Quantitative data were collected through the administration of an online survey over three months. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS to conduct preliminary and confirmatory factor analysis, descriptive statistics and correlations, regression and moderation analysis to determine whether grit could moderate the negative impact of study demands on student engagement and well-being.