Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the changes of self-esteem and leadership scores in nursing students during two years. Method: The subjects were 233 nursing students in their first year in 2007, and 257 in their third year in 2009. Data were collected 2 times for the same subjects, in 2007 and 2009 respectively, with the same structured questionnaires. Result: Satisfaction for major and interpersonal relationships of nursing students was significantly increased in the third year over the first year. Self-esteem and leadership scores were significantly increased in the third year over the first year (t=5.48, p<.001, t=5.63, p<.001). Self-esteem and leadership scores increased significantly according to satisfaction degree, interpersonal relationship and year. Self-esteem was positively related to leadership (r=.50, p<.001). Conclusion: The result of this study may show the increase in self-esteem and leadership of nursing students relevant with their year of nursing. This finding suggests the importance of satisfaction and interpersonal relationships to increase self-esteem and leadership.