<p>Multicultural experiences (MCEs) have become increasingly commonplace in the context of globalization. Schema theory suggests that MCEs trigger cognitive changes, which, according to the meaning maintenance model, support individuals in maintaining and constructing meaning in life when facing novel or challenging experiences. However, the empirical relationship between MCEs and meaning in life, as well as the underlying mechanisms, remains unclear. The present study examined this relationship, testing positive emotions and motivational cultural intelligence (CQ) as parallel mediators, and social class as a moderator. A total of 1,604 participants (<i>M</i>_<i>age</i> = 24.09, <i>SD</i> = 4.01) completed an online survey assessing MCEs, positive emotions, motivational CQ, social class, and meaning in life. Results showed that MCEs were positively associated with meaning in life, and this relationship was simultaneously mediated by positive emotions and motivational CQ. Moreover, objective social class (OSC) moderated the association between motivational CQ and meaning in life, such that the positive effect of motivational CQ on meaning in life was stronger at higher levels of OSC. These findings extend understanding of how MCEs contribute to meaning in life by identifying distinct psychological pathways and a key socioeconomic boundary condition, and underscore implications for interventions aimed at promoting psychological well-being.</p>