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Best mobile plans for students

We compared 368 mobile plans to help you find the best plan that won’t break the bank.

Top pick: Cheap
 image
30GB
$20
per month
for the first 3 months then 15GB for $20. T&Cs apply. Order by 27.2.24
Top pick: Unlimited
 image
Finder Award
Unlimited data
At speeds up to 20Mbps
$20
per month
for the first 3 months then Unlimited Data for $40. T&Cs apply. Use code FELIX50
Top pick: Coverage
 image
Finder Award
60GB
$35
per month
for the first 12 months then 40GB for $35. T&Cs apply. Ends 18.1.24
Top pick: International calls
 image
Finder Award
60GB
$30
per 28 days expiry
for the first 3 recharges then 32GB for $30. T&Cs apply. Ends 30.11.23

Here are our picks for the best mobile phone plans for students in November 2023

The best mobile plans for November 2023 were picked by our team of mobile plan experts on 22 November 2023 and reviewed by our editor, Mariam Gabaji.


1. Best cheap student phone plan

Dodo $20

Unlimited
Calls & Text
30GB
data. Slowed down to 1Mbps after full speed data used up
$20
per month
Dodo $20 logo

for the first 3 months then 15GB for $20. T&Cs apply. Order by 27.2.24

What we like about Dodo:

  • You can enjoy an additional 15GB of data when you sign up to this plan. That's a total of 30GB for only $20 on your first 3 months.
  • Comes with unlimited calls and texts within Australia plus an additional $100 international call credit.
  • Manage and change your plan once a month using your My Dodo account.
  • Operates on the Optus 4G network.

2. Best high data mobile plan for students

felix Subscription Unlimited GREEN COMPANY

Unlimited
Calls & Text
Unlimited
data. Slowed down to 20Mbps after full speed data used up
$20
per month
felix Subscription Unlimited logo

for the first 3 months then Unlimited Data for $40. T&Cs apply. Use code FELIX50

What we like about felix:

  • Score a good deal with felix when you use the code FELIX50 and get 50% off for the first 3 months. That's $20 a month for unlimited data.
  • This is a good plan if you're on a budget, but the catch is the speeds are limited to 20Mbps. But don't worry, that's still fast enough to browse the web, scroll through social media, video-chat and stream.
  • No need to worry with limited data as plan comes with unlimited data every month.
  • Felix was awarded as the 2022 Finder Green Award for Green Mobile Plan Provider. Thanks to its initiatives such as being carbon-neutral and planting a tree per active subscription each month.

3. Best student phone plan for coverage

Belong 40GB

Unlimited
Calls & Text
60GB
data. Slowed down to 1Mbps after full speed data used up
$35
per month
Belong 40GB logo

for the first 12 months then 40GB for $35. T&Cs apply. Ends 18.1.24

What we like about Belong:

  • You can enjoy 60GB of data for $35 for 12 months when you sign up to this plan. Usually 40GB for $35.
  • This plan comes with unlimited national calls and texts.
  • With Belong's unlimited data banking you can keep your unused data or gift it to other Belong mobile customers.
  • Runs on Telstra's 4G network which is the largest mobile provider in Australia.

4. Best student mobile plan for international calls

amaysim 32GB Plan

Unlimited
Calls & Text
60GB
data. Slowed down to N/A after full speed data used up
$30
per 28 days
amaysim 32GB Plan logo

for the first 3 recharges then 32GB for $30. T&Cs apply. Ends 30.11.23

What we like about amaysim:

  • You can enjoy 60GB of data for $12 for the first recharge, then 60GB for $30 for the next 2 recharges when you sign up to this plan.
  • Get unlimited international calls to 28 countries and unlimited international text to 42 countries.
  • Your unused data won't go to waste with amaysim's unlimited data banking.
  • Access to Optus 4G network.

5. Best long expiry mobile plan for students

Coles $150

Unlimited
Calls & Text
160GB
data. Slowed down to N/A after full speed data used up
$125
per 365 days
Coles $150 logo

for the first 365 days then 120GB for $150.

What we like about Coles:

  • You can enjoy 160GB of data for $125 when you sign up to this plan. Reverts to 120GB for $150 per recharge after the offer ends.
  • This plan lets you make unlimited standard national calls and texts plus an additional standard international calls and text to 15 destinations.
  • You can rollover up to 50GB of data when you recharge before your plan expires.
  • Runs on the Optus network.

How to find the best phone plan for students

These days your options for choosing a mobile plan are many. Here are a few different things to consider before choosing.

1. Price

When you're a student, you have access to student discounts from some participating providers. But make sure you compare prices across a range of providers to see if your discount is actually getting you a good offer. Regular promotional discounts could end up being better bang for your buck.

2. Data

If you're going to be connected to Wi-Fi the majority of the time, then you probably don't need to dish out extra money for huge chunks of data.

But if you plan to be hitting the road often and being out and about, you may want to consider a higher data plan to avoid any excess charges.

3. Coverage

Will you be travelling around regional or rural areas in Australia? If you are, coverage will matter, which may determine the provider you go for.

Good to know: Telstra has the widest coverage in Australia, with Optus and Vodafone coming 2nd and 3rd respectively.

4. Extra features

Consider whether you need any extra features on your mobile plan, or if you're happy with a simple plan that just has calls, texts and data.

Extra features such as data banking and international phone calls can be handy, but think about whether you're actually going to use these services. You could be better off with a cheaper plan that doesn't come with bonus perks.

Student phone plan discounts in Australia

A number of providers in Australia offer student-only discounts on mobile plans: Optus, Vodafone, amaysim and Kogan.

Overall, the discounts being offered are only mediocre in value. It pays to compare all your options as smaller providers will often have better deals than these bigger brands offering student discounts.

Optus student discounts

The Optus Student Hub offers 10% off plan fees for 12 months on selected SIM plans. The cheapest one will cost you $40.50 per month for 20GB.

You get access to endless data, Optus' 5G network, and Optus Sport and OS Fitness at no extra cost. International calls and texts to selected countries are included on plans starting from Optus' Medium Choice plan and higher.

  • How to apply: You will need to enter your student email address to redeem your promo code before signing up to an Optus mobile plan. All of this can be done via the Optus Student Hub. Once you have your promo code all you have to do is apply it and check out and you'll be sorted.

Telstra student discounts

Unfortunately, Telstra isn't offering any student-specific discounts at the moment. However, you can check out its regular promotions to find a mobile plan that best fits your bill.

Vodafone student discounts

Vodafone offers a $5 a month discount on its post-paid plans as long as you're a new customer signing up to a new service. Prices start at $35 for 40GB (discount included).

Signing up with Vodafone means getting Infinite data, access to Amazon Music Unlimited for 3 months, plus 300+ international calls to selected countries on its 80GB plan and higher.

  • How to apply: You can only get the $5 student discount if you head in-store or call customer care. Keep your student ID handy for verification purposes. Alternatively, you can get the discounted plans through UNiDAYS.

amaysim student discounts

Similar to Vodafone, you can get a student discount on SIM-only plans from amaysim through UNiDAYS. This gets you access to the Optus 4G network and unlimited data banking for a slightly cheaper price.

Your first recharge will cost $25 for 80GB and then ongoing is $25 for 30GB every 28 days.

  • How to apply: You will need your UNiDAYS login to apply for the student discount, then apply on amaysim's website.

Kogan Mobile student discounts

Kogan's reputation for cheap prices extends to its mobile plans as well.

Students can get 30GB for only $1 for the first 30 days. The price goes up to $20 per month after that but it's still a decent offer if you want to save money and get on the Vodafone network.

  • How to apply: You will need a UNiDAYS account to sign up for Kogan's student discount, then just apply on Kogan's website directly.

Compare mobile plans to find the best deal

There are plenty of mobile plans up for grabs so you don't have to settle on anything that doesn't sit right with you. You can use the filters in the table to adjust your price and data requirements.

1 - 3 of 71
Name Product Data Price Apply Price
TPG Large
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
$15/mth for the first 6 months, then $30/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
TPG Large
Prepaid
$15/mth for the first 6 months, then $30/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Vodafone 4G network
45GB
$15
per month
Go to site
View details
-50%
  • $15/mth for the first 6 months, then $30/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
45 GB
Data
$15
per month
Southern Phone Finder Exclusive
PostpaidNo lock-in contract
$5/mth for the first 6 months, then $15/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 31.1.24
Southern Phone Finder Exclusive
Postpaid
$5/mth for the first 6 months, then $15/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 31.1.24
Exclusive
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Optus 4G/3G network
5GB
$5
per month
Go to site
View details
Exclusive
  • $5/mth for the first 6 months, then $15/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 31.1.24
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
5 GB
Data
$5
per month
iiNet Medium Plan
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
$12.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $24.99/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
iiNet Medium Plan
Prepaid
$12.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $24.99/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Vodafone 4G/3G network
16GB
$12.50
per month
Go to site
View details
-50%
  • $12.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $24.99/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
16 GB
Data
$12.50
per month
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2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    AishwaryaJuly 18, 2017

    I have shifted to Brisbane yesterday and as a international student I am looking for best plan for myself within a budget. I want unlimited international and national calls with good data pack.

      Default Gravatar
      JonathanJuly 19, 2017

      Hello Aishwarya,

      Thank you for inquiry today. :)

      You are on the right page! Use our comparison table and follow these steps:

      1. Click the (+) sign of Modify Results Tab.
      2. Choose if you want to take a phone or just a sim.
      3. Select your provider.
      4. Adjust your usage based on price, calls, messages and data.

      The suggestions below will be adjusted based on your preferences. You may click “Go to Site” green button of your chosen provider to proceed with your application.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

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