![Dodo logo](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/niche-builder/5f98bc5242ce2.png)
![Dodo logo](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/niche-builder/5f98bc5242ce2.png)
![felix mobile logo](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/niche-builder/5fc5e960b8c20.png)
![Boost Mobile logo](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/niche-builder/61274d0cc3d5d.png)
![Catch Connect logo](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/niche-builder/60c199eccbb4b.png)
![Belong Mobile logo](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/niche-builder/652c81e5ae400.png)
The best mobile phone plans for students in July
- Best cheap student phone plan: Dodo $20
- Best unlimited data mobile plans for students: felix Subscription 50GB
- Best student phone plan for coverage: Belong 25GB
- Best student mobile plan for international calls: Boost $35 SIM
- Best long-expiry prepaid plan for students: Catch Connect 365 Day Plan 120GB
The best mobile plans for July were picked by our team of mobile plan experts and reviewed by our editor, Mariam Gabaji.
Top pick: Best cheap student phone plan
Dodo $20
Pros & cons:
- There are no excess data charges or bill shocks. Once you run out of your monthly data allowance, the download speeds will simply slow to 256Kbps.
- You'll get a $100 international call credit.
- There's no lock-in contract so you can switch plans whenever you want.
- Even though it's advertised as a postpaid plan, you'll need to pay upfront.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $240
Why we chose it
To choose the best cheap student phone plan, we looked at options in our database from Finder partners that cost $20 a month or less. Of the plans that met our criteria, we then ranked them by our value score and went with the highest-ranking plan.
Top pick: Best unlimited data mobile plans for students
felix Subscription 50GB GREEN COMPANY
Calls & Text
data. Slowed down to 1.5Mbps after full speed data used up
per month
for the first 3 months then 50GB for $30. T&Cs apply. Use promo code FELIX50.
Pros & cons:
- There are no excess charges. Once you've used up your monthly data allowance your download speeds will simply slow to 1.5Mbps.
- You'll save $45 over 3 months with felix's latest offer.
- The plan features unlimited data banking which can be handy if your data needs vary month to month.
- The price of the plan reverts to $30 a month after 3 months. However, it's still pretty good value for how much data is allocated in return.
Mobile network: Vodafone 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $315
Why we chose it
To choose the best cheap student phone plan, we looked at unlimited data plans in our database from Finder partners that cost $30 a month or less and came with at least 10GB of data. Of the plans that met our criteria, we then ranked them by our value score and went with the highest-ranking plan.
Top pick: Best student phone plan for coverage
Belong 25GB
Calls & Text
data. Slowed down to 1Mbps after full speed data used up
per month
Pros & cons:
- You'll get access to Telstra's 4G and 5G wholesale networks which are the second-best in Australia after Telstra's full network coverage.
- Bank as much unused data as you want as long as all payments are made in time.
- You can add on unlimited international calls and texts to 30 selected destinations for $5 a month.
- The price of the plan will increase by $1 on 30 July.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $348
Why we chose it
To choose the best student phone plan for coverage, we looked at options in our database from Finder partners that cost $30 a month or less and run on Telstra's full or wholesale network. Of the plans that met our criteria, we then ranked them by our value score and went with the highest-ranking plan.
Top pick: Best student mobile plan for international calls
Boost $35 SIM
Calls & Text
data
per 28 days
for the first 3 recharges then 25GB for $35. T&Cs apply. Ends 5.8.24
Pros & cons:
- You can make unlimited international calls and texts to 20 selected destinations, 300 minutes to 30 selected destinations and 300 texts to any country.
- Boost is the only small provider with access to the full Telstra 4G and 5G networks, the largest network in Australia. This can be handy especially if you live in rural or regional parts of the country.
- Rollover data for future use as long as you recharge your plan before it expires.
- Data allowance drops to 25GB from the fourth recharge.
Mobile network: Telstra 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
Why we chose it
To choose the best student mobile plan for international calls, we looked at options in our database from Finder partners that cost $30 a month or less and had international call inclusions. Of the plans that met our criteria, we then ranked them by our value score and went with the highest-ranking plan.
Top pick: Best long-expiry prepaid plan for students
Catch Connect 365 Day Plan 120GB
Calls & Text
data
per 365 days
for the first 365 days then 120GB for $150.
Pros & cons:
- You're essentially paying just around $9 a month for 10GB of data which is pretty good value for money.
- You'll get unlimited calls and texts to standard numbers within Australia.
- Catch offers a mobile app so you can manage your plan and track your data usage easily.
- You won't get your money back if you want to cancel your plan before the first 365 days are up.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $109
Why we chose it
To choose the best long-expiry prepaid plan for students, we looked at options in our database from Finder partners that cost $150 or less. Of the plans that met our criteria, we then ranked them by our value score and went with the highest-ranking plan.
![Raj Lal](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2023/12/Raj-Lal_Finder_600x600.png)
My cousin, who came from overseas, is studying in Australia. To help him manage his expenses and ensure he gets as much data as possible, I helped him get set up with the Optus Choice Plus for students package. The mobile plan is great for him as it gives him the data and calls he needs for the right price.— Raj Lal, Publisher
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.
How does Finder's value scoring system work?
For certain categories, we use a value scoring system to choose the best mobile plans for students by scoring the following factors:
- Cost per gigabyte. This is calculated by taking the price of the plan over 12 months divided by the amount of data (GB).
- Network coverage. We awarded scores depending on how wide the network coverage is across Australia.
- Data rollover. We weight providers that offer data rollover higher than those that don't have this feature.
- International calls. This includes those that offer unlimited calls or credit/minutes for international purposes.
- Wi-Fi calling. We weight providers that offer Wi-Fi calling higher than those that don't have this feature.
We then assign a weight to each of the factors in order to calculate a value score. Price and data are given the highest weighting.
Best phone plan for international students
If you're studying in Australia from overseas, then you probably have similar needs to local students. There might be a few specific needs for you though.
If you need to call home often: Check out amaysim mobile. You can get unlimited calls to 28 destinations. So no excuse not to check in on mum.
If you need to video call home: You're probably better off with a big data plan. Check out the Felix mobile unlimited plans to start. They're on the Vodafone network and will let you use as much data as you need. They may slow you own a little after a certain point, but it's still going to be the best option for a power user like you.
If you're studying outside of a major city: If you're a student at a regional university like Charles Sturt or New England, or even one of the suburban universities like Macquarie or Deakin, then you might need the Telstra network. In that case, have a look at Belong mobile plans. Belong uses the Telstra network, but at a much cheaper rate. That means you'll have fewer black spots and dropouts while you sit under a blue gum reading Henry Lawson. Because you must be studying Australian literature if you're out bush. Obviously.
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
![Image: Supplied Optus Logo](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2019/05/optus-logo_supplied_1800x1000.jpg)
That also gives you access to Optus' entertainment packages. That includes Optus SubHub, which can get you 10% off your streaming subscriptions, as well as cheap access to Optus Sport. If you're a soccer fan, Optus Sport is the only place you can stream Premiere League football in Australia.
- 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
![Image: Supplied Telstra Logo](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2019/05/telstra-logo_supplied_1800x1000.jpg)
Vodafone student discounts
![Image: Supplied Vodafone Logo](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2021/02/vodafone-logo-430x107px.png)
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
![Image: Supplied amaysim logo](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2021/10/Amaysim_Logo_Supplied_450x250.png)
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
![Image: Supplied Kogan Mobile Logo](https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2017/06/kogan-mobile-logo-provider.png)
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.
Why compare mobile phone plans with Finder?
![Image: Finder favourite icon](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-au/wp-uploads/2022/12/favorite.png)
We know our stuff. We pour over hundreds of mobile plans every month. It's exhausting. But worth it.
![Image: Finder we're experts icon](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-au/wp-uploads/2022/11/Were-experts-1_icon_500x500.png)
You can rely on us. We're constantly updating and fact-checking our data on dozens of Aussie telcos.
![Image: Finder we're here to help icon](https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-au/wp-uploads/2022/11/Were-here-to-help-1_icon_500x500.png)
We're here to help. We've helped millions of Aussies find better mobile phone plan. And we'll keep doing it.
More guides on Finder
-
Savings accounts that earn Qantas Points: How much could you get?
Would you be better off with a high-interest option instead? I've crunched the numbers.
-
Xe Business Transfers review
Read Finder's review of Xe Business Transfers and see if it's right for your international business payment needs.
-
Can’t be sick: 1 in 2 Aussie workers feel pressured to work when ill
Millions of Aussies think they need to ‘tough it out’ at work when they’re sick, according to new research by Finder.
-
Google Pixel 8a review
Verdict: The Pixel 8a is everything you’d want in a mid-range phone and more.
-
The OKX Crypto Hub
SPONSORED: With OKX, you can get access to a huge crypto exchange, a Web3 Wallet and training tools to help you take your trading to the next level.
-
Wholesale energy prices surge – more power pain for households?
It's too soon to tell but things aren't looking good.
-
Get $1,000+ with a card sign-up offer | Dollar Saver tip #91
Get $1,000+ when you sign up for a frequent flyer credit card.
-
Ethereum ETFs hit US$1 billion volume in first day
Ethereum ETFs look set to hit US$1 billion volume on first day.
-
5 ways you can get a better (and cheaper) home internet set up this year
SPONSORED: Don't chuck your modem out the window! We'll show you some simple tips to help enhance your internet speed.
-
5 reasons to upgrade to high-speed nbn this July
SPONSORED: Take off into cyberspace at rocket speed with a faster connection!
Ask a question
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.
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