Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 313 SIM-only plans from 47 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 5 top picks based on price, data, network and expert analysis. Not all mobile plans are created equal, so make sure you compare your options before choosing the right one for you.
The best mobile phone plans for students in September 2024
Best cheap student phone plan: Dodo $20
Best unlimited data mobile plans for students: felix Subscription 25GB
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 Finder Exclusive
The best mobile plans were picked by our team of mobile plan experts and reviewed by our editor, Mariam Gabaji.
Why you can trust our research
313Mobile plans analysed
758Australians surveyed
180+hours of research
Expert picks reviewed by Mariam Gabaji – Utilities editor at Finder
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 plan for students
felix Subscription 25GBGREEN COMPANY
Unlimited Calls & Text
25GB
data. Slowed down to 1.5Mbps after full speed data used up
$10 per
month
$10/mth for the first 3 months, then $25/mth. Use promo code FELIX10. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 29.9.24
You won't be charged for going over your data limit. Instead, your speeds will slow to 1.5Mbps. Consider felix's unlimited subscription plan if you don't want data caps at all but are okay with 20Mbps download speeds throughout.
You'll save $45 over 3 months with felix's latest offer.
Plan features unlimited data banking and the option to sign up easily via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
Price reverts to $25 a month after 3 months.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $255
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
Unlimited Calls & Text
25GB data. Slowed down to 1Mbps after full speed data used up
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.
4G and 5G download speeds are capped at 150Mbps though this is fast enough for most online activities.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $360
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
Unlimited Calls & Text
25GB data
$35 per
28 days
70GB for $12 for the first recharge, then 25GB for $35/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 30.9.24
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.
A 28-day expiry means you'll end up paying 13 bills over the year instead of 12.
Mobile network: Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $397
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 $35 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 Finder Exclusive
Unlimited Calls & Text
120GB
data
$109 per
365 days
$109 for the first recharge, then $150/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 24.9.24
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.
"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."
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
The Optus Student Hub offers lists a few mobile plan discounts for students. The current promotion is 100GB of data for $39 a month for the first 12 months. After that the price goes up to the $59 a month ongoing rate.
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
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.
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Tim Bennett as part of our fact-checking process.
Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with 12+ years of experience as a journalist. She's committed to helping households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine. See full bio
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Mariam has written 274 Finder guides across topics including:
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.
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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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