Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 322 SIM-only plans from 49 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 December 2024
Best cheap mobile plan for students: Circles.Life 6GB Finder Exclusive
Best value phone plan for students: Circles.Life 30GB Finder Exclusive
Best unlimited data mobile plans for students: felix Subscription Unlimited
Best student mobile plan for international calls: TPG Medium
Best long-expiry prepaid plan for students: Catch Connect 365 Day Plan 200GB Finder Exclusive
Why you can trust our research
322Mobile plans analysed
758Australians surveyed
180+hours of research
Expert picks reviewed by Mariam Gabaji – Utilities editor at Finder
Top pick: Best cheap mobile plan for students
Circles.Life 6GB Finder Exclusive
Unlimited Calls & Text
22GB
data
$10 per
month
22GB for $10/mth for the first 12 months, then 6GB for $15/mth. Use promo code 12FINDER22GB. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 31.12.24
You’ll pay $10 for 22GB for the first 12 months if you sign up via Finder. Even the ongoing cost of $15 a month for 6GB is decent if you’re on a strict budget and don’t need that much data.
Option to sign up quickly via an eSIM if you have a compatible device.
Handy mobile app so you can track data usage and manage your plan.
The ongoing data allowance of 6GB might be a bit low if you’re streaming video content regularly on the go. However, there’s no lock-in contract so you can switch plans after 12 months.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $120
Why we chose it
To find the best cheap mobile plan for students, we looked at mobile plans on Finder that cost under $20 per month. We then gave each shortlisted plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Top pick: Best value phone plan for students
Circles.Life 30GB Finder Exclusive
Unlimited Calls & Text
110GB
data
$22.50 per
month
110GB for $22.50/mth for the first 12 months, then 30GB for $30/mth. Use promo code 12FINDER110GB. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 31.12.24
You get a whopping 110GB for just $22.50 a month for 12 months. This offer is only available via Finder.
You can roll over up to 500GB of unused data.
Option to add on international calls and roaming packs.
Price and data allowance reverts to $30 a month for 30GB after 12 months. However, there’s no lock-in contract so you can cancel the plan anytime.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $270.0
Why we chose it
To choose the best value phone plan for students, we looked at options in our database from Finder partners that cost $30 a month or less. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Top pick: Best unlimited data mobile plan for students
felix Subscription UnlimitedGREEN COMPANY
Unlimited Calls & Text
Unlimited data. Slowed down to 20Mbps after full speed data used up
$20 per
month
$20/mth for the first 3 months, then $40/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
This is the only mobile plan in Australia that truly offers unlimited data. The only caveat is the download speeds are capped at 20Mbps throughout. This should still be fast enough for browsing, streaming and social media.
You’ll save $60 over 3 months with felix’s latest offer.
Easily sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
For a stricter budget, try felix’s 25GB plan instead. It’ll cost $12.50 a month for the first three months, then $25 a month ongoing. After using up your data, your download speeds simply slow to 1.5Mbps, helping you avoid bill shock.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
Why we chose it
We looked at plans in our database from Finder partners that come with unlimited data. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Top pick: Best student mobile plan for international calls
TPG Medium
Unlimited Calls & Text
50GB
data
$17.50 per
month
$17.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $35/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
You’ll get unlimited international calls and texts to 31 selected countries.
The latest offer on this plan will save you $105 over 6 months.
After 6 months, you can save $5 a month by bundling with a TPG internet plan.
TPG had two big wins in Finder’s 2024 Product Awards. It won Best Prepaid Mobile Provider - Value and Best Mobile Provider.
TPG charges a $11 port out fee if you decide to switch providers.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $315.0
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 $40 a month or less and had international call inclusions. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Top pick: Best long-expiry prepaid plan for students
Catch Connect 365 Day Plan 200GB Finder Exclusive
Unlimited Calls & Text
200GB
data
$150 per
365 days
$150 for the first recharge, then $200/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 17.12.24
You're essentially paying $12.50 a month for just over 16GB of data.
A handy mobile app to track data usage and manage your plan.
Catch received the highly commended award for 'Long Expiry Prepaid Mobile Plan' in the 2024 Product Awards.
Catch doesn't offer many extra features, but if you're focused on price, data, and local calls and texts, it should suit you just fine.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $150
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 $200 or less. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
We compared all SIM-only plans in our database that fit each of our categories and attached a value score to each plan, looking at factors such as price, daily cost per gigabyte, network coverage and any applicable download speed caps. The provider with the highest score comes out as the winner.
Keep in mind that we only looked at Finder partners but our top picks are still chosen keeping a rigid methodology in mind.
Here’s a rundown of exactly how our value-scoring system works:
Cost per gigabyte. This is calculated by taking the price of the plan over 12 months divided by the amount of data (GB). The price includes any promotional offers.
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. We weight providers that offer data rollover higher than those that don't have this feature. This includes those that offer unlimited calls or credit/minutes for international purposes.
Wi-Fi calling. We give weights to 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.
Are there any student phone plan discounts in Australia?
Unfortunately, student phone plan discounts aren’t really a thing these days.
Optus is the only telco that has a student hub where you can find special mobile offers for students. Vodafone sometimes has discounts available through UNiDAYs.
But fret not, we’ll help you understand how to find the best phone plan, especially if you’re on a budget.
How to find the best phone plan if you’re a student
Price
As we mentioned, it’s rare to find mobile plans with student discounts. However, there are plenty of providers that offer cheap mobile plans or some excellent deals to help you stick with a budget. Even if you’re after extra inclusions such as data rollover or international call inclusions.
Data
If you're mostly on Wi-Fi, you probably don’t need to spend extra on a big data plan.
But if you’re often on the go, it might be worth looking at a higher data plan to avoid extra charges.
Aussies use about 12.8GB a month on average, according to the ACCC, so you can use that or your own past usage as a guide to find the right plan for you.
Coverage
There's no doubt Telstra has the widest network coverage in Australia. This can be important if you’re either living in or planning to travel to regional or remote parts of the country. However, if you're staying in the city, you can expand your options with plans that run on the Optus or Vodafone network.
Plan length
While most people are familiar with month-to-month mobile plans, long-expiry prepaid plans can end up being cheaper. These plans last for 90–365 days though you have to pay the full cost upfront. It’ll work for people who know roughly how much data they need and what network coverage works best in their area. You don’t get a refund if you leave early.
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 couple of exceptions though:
If you need to video call home and need big data: You're probably better off with more data than the average Aussie if you don’t have constant or reliable access to Wi-Fi. Check out our guide on high-data mobile plans for options.
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. See our guide to the best mobile plans on the Telstra network.
"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."
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
Mariam's expertise
Mariam has written 302 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