Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 322 SIM-only plans from 49 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 4 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.
Why you can trust our research
322 Mobile plans analysed
758 Australians surveyed
180+ hours of research
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $264
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.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
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.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $315
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.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $119
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.
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.
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.
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 call home often: Check out our top picks for the best mobile plans for international calls.
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."
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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