We develop and test an analytical framework that builds on experiential learning theory to explore drivers of entrepreneurial passion among graduates from venture creation programs (VCP). The framework identifies two main sources of experiential learning (direct and vicarious experience), and three temporal vantage points (pre-, peri- and post-education) where such experiences may occur. We employ fsQCA analysis on a sample of graduates from a Swedish university to identify causal paths leading to configurations of experiences that ultimately lead to higher entrepreneurial passion. Overall, analyses yielded a total of four effective configurations where each represents a combination of present or absent conditions that are jointly sufficient for producing the indicated outcome. While both direct and vicarious experiential learning in combination with other causal conditions can drive high entrepreneurial passion among VCP graduates, the results suggest strongest evidence for causal relations between direct experiential learning and high entrepreneurial passion. Moreover, the results suggest that post- and peri-educational experiences have stronger causal impact compared to pre-educational experiences.