By
Alex Angove-Plumb - Digital Content Editor
Last updated

Between studying, working, paying rent, and finding time to make your student days “the best time of your life”, you'd hope someone would give you a break and a bit of a discount.

Sadly, there aren't as many telcos offering cheaper plans for tertiary students as there once were. However, these days, telcos are choosing to discount plans across the board, so you don't even need a special ID to nab a bargain. 

Even better, there are plenty of affordable SIM-only and prepaid plans from smaller providers, which can end up being cheaper than plans with student discounts, anyway.

Check out the best student deals we know about, as well as the best mobile deals available to everyone. We're sure you'll find a plan that works for your budget.

Optus student discounts


Optus has a single discounted plan for students. 

The 'Optus Choice Plus Student Plan' is discounted to $39 per month (33% off) for the first 12 months, after which it returns to the ongoing price of $59 per month. The plan comes with 100GB. 

You forfeit the discount if you change the plan or cancel within those 12 months.

Students need to validate their student email when signing up online, or provide a university/tertiary education ID card, student visa information, or university acceptance email if signing up in store. Some exclusions do apply, so make sure you read all the terms and conditions on the Optus Student Hub before you opt in.

At the discounted rate, Optus' student plan is clearly better than any of its regular SIM-only plans. After the first 12 months, it certainly isn't bad, but the math gets messier. The student plan is only $4 per month more than Optus' 50GB plan and has twice as much data. It also comes with unlimited international talk and text to 35 destinations, which could be useful for some students. But if you're not using all that data or taking advantage of international calls, it isn't worth spending more for features you don't use. 

Here are Optus’ regular SIM-only plans:

#1
Optus
Optus

$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan

  • 100GB data
  • Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply.
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
#2
Optus
Optus

$69 Optus Promo Plan

  • 360GB data
  • Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply.
$69.00/mth
Min. cost $69
#3
Optus
Optus

$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan

  • 240GB data
$70.00/mth
Min. cost $70
#4
Optus
Optus

$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan

  • 480GB data
  • SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply
$90.00/mth
Min. cost $90

Vodafone student discounts


Vodafone is currently offering students a flat $14 per month off each of its three SIM-only plans, plus double data. This discount lasts for the first 12 months with Vodafone, after which students go back to paying the regular price. The double data offer lasts for as long as a student stays connected to the plan.

Students also get unlimited standard international calls to 37 destinations on Vodafone's "Small" student plan. Customers normally need to opt for a "Medium" plan or better to get unlimited international calls on Vodafone. 

These deals are only available for new customers with a valid student email and run until January 22.

Here are regular Vodafone's SIM-only plans. The discount below is the same as Vodafone is offering to students, but the student plans have twice the data. 

#1
Vodafone
Vodafone

$58 Small SIM Only Plan

  • 65GB data
  • Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$45.00/mth
Min. cost $45
#2
Vodafone
Vodafone

$68 Medium SIM Only Plan

  • 220GB data
  • Deal: Includes $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$50.00/mth
Min. cost $50
#3
Vodafone
Vodafone

$78 Large SIM Only Plan

  • 420GB data
  • Deal: Includes $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$55.00/mth
Min. cost $55

Telstra mobile plans


At the time of writing, Telstra doesn't have student discounts or student mobile plans (the same goes for its subsidiaries Belong and Boost Mobile). That said, Australia's largest telco does have some affordable prepaid plans available to anyone. 

Here are some Telstra prepaid plans that students might want to check out:

#1
Telstra
Telstra

$44 Pre-Paid Mobile

  • 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Includes 30GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 20GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027
$44.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#2
Telstra
Telstra

$54 Pre-Paid Mobile

  • 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Includes 40GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 35GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027
$54.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#3
Telstra
Telstra

$64 Pre-Paid Mobile

  • 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps
  • Deal: Includes 55GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 45GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027
$64.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied

Belong student plans


As a sub-brand of Telstra, Belong is a telco that operates on the Telstra network. Its coverage footprint is slightly smaller than that of its parent company, but this only really matters in some rural and regional areas.

While Belong doesn't offer student discounts for its SIM-only plans, they might still be on the list for consideration.

Not only are they on the cheaper side of things (compared to the major telcos), Belong banks your unused data month-to-month and lets eligible subscribers share their saved-up data with each other. Given not everyone in your household is likely to use data at the same rate throughout a given month, data sharing can be a useful way of keeping overall costs down.

Here are Belong's SIM-only plans:

Belong
Belong

25GB Mobile Plan

  • 85GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply.
$34.00/mth
Min. cost $34
Link not supplied

Boost Mobile student plans


Boost Mobile is Telstra's other sub-brand, and the only other provider to have access to the full Telstra network. This can make it a good option for students in remote areas. 

While Boost doesn't have any student deals, it is more affordable than Telstra itself. Boost's 365-day long-expiry plans can be especially good value. 

Here are Boost's plans:

#1
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$28 Prepaid

  • 8GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$28.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
#2
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$39 Prepaid

  • 60GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Get 60GB data on first 6 recharges, then 30GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26
$39.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
#3
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$49 Prepaid

  • 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Online only. Grab a $49 SIM for $17 – save $32. Hurry! Offer ends 19.10.26. Terms Apply
$49.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
#4
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$59 Prepaid

  • 105GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps
  • Deal: Get 105GB data on first 6 recharges, then 55GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26
$59.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
#5
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$74 Prepaid

  • 150GB Uncapped download speed
  • Deal: Get 150GB data on first 6 recharges, then 100GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26
$74.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
#6
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$180 Prepaid

  • 160GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Online Only. Grab the $180 SIM for $160 – save $20. Hurry! Offer ends 19.10.26. Terms Apply
$160.00
Per 6 Month Renewal
#7
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$300 Prepaid

  • 290GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Get 290GB data on new activations, then 240GB from next recharge. Activate by 02.11.26
$300.00
Per 12 Month Renewal
#8
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$365 Prepaid

  • 365GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Grab the $365 SIM for $305 – save $60. Hurry! Offer ends 12 October 2026. Terms Apply
$305.00
Per 12 Month Renewal

amaysim student plans


amaysim no longer offers student plans, but its plans are another decent option for students. amaysim is a sub-brand of Optus and so, runs on its network, but its plans come at a lower cost. 

Like Belong, amaysim also offers unlimited data banking. Here are amaysim's prepaid mobile plans:

#1
amaysim
amaysim

UNLIMITED 15GB Plan

  • 15GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$30.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#2
amaysim
amaysim

UNLIMITED 42GB Plan

  • 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Save $23 for first renewal & includes 33GB bonus data for first 3 renewals when you sign up by 15.11.26. Online only. T&Cs apply
$35.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#3
amaysim
amaysim

UNLIMITED 80GB Plan

  • 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Save $27 for first renewal when you sign up by 11.10.26. New services only. T&Cs apply
$40.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#4
amaysim
amaysim

UNLIMITED 95GB Plan

  • 95GB data at download speeds up to 200Mbps
$45.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#5
amaysim
amaysim

UNLIMITED 120GB Plan

  • 120GB data at download speeds up to 200Mbps
  • Deal: Save $32 for first renewal when you sign up by 19.10.26. New online services only. T&Cs apply
$50.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied

The (actual) best phone plans for students


Even though there are scant few student discounts to be found on mobile plans these days, there's much more money to be saved by looking at regular plans from smaller providers. 

If you're happy to bring your own phone to a plan, there are hundreds of cheap SIM-only and prepaid plans on the market. They just aren't labelled 'student' plans because anyone can get them.

And because all small Australian mobile providers offer services on the Telstra, Optus or Vodafone networks, you can expect decent coverage from any plan you choose, depending on your area.

These are the cheapest SIM-only and prepaid plans from our database of 28 providers:

#1
Pivotel
Pivotel

25GB Mobile Swift Plan

  • 25GB data
  • Deal: Incl. 50% off - $11.45/mth for first 6 months, then $22.90/mth ongoing. Offer ends 31.10.2026. T&Cs apply.
$11.45/mth
Min. cost $11.45
#2
SpinTel
SpinTel
Editor's Pick

$23 Mobile Plan

  • 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • WhistleOut Special: Enjoy $11 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $12/mth for first 6 months, then $23/mth
$12.00/mth
Min. cost $12
#3
OnePass mobile
OnePass mobile

28 Day Plan - 22GB

  • 22GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Save $12.50 - Get 22GB for only $12.50 for the first 6 recharges! Recharges $25/22GB. New customers only. T&Cs apply
$12.50
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#4
Moose Mobile
Moose Mobile

Moose 23 SIM Only

  • 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Get 30GB for $14 – Includes $9 off for first 6 months, then reverts to $23. Offer ends 30.06.27
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
#5
Swoop
Swoop

30GB SIM Only 5G

  • 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Includes $11 off for first 6 months - $14/mth for first 6 months then $25/mth after that. Offer ends 30.06.27
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
#6
Lyca Mobile
Lyca Mobile
Editor's Pick

Unlimited Plan S

  • 50GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps
  • Deal: $15 for first 6 renewals when you activate this plan. Offer ends 31.12.26. T&Cs apply
$15.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#7
OnePass mobile
OnePass mobile

28 Day Plan - 32GB

  • 32GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Save $15 - Get 32GB for only $15 for the first 6 recharges! Recharges $30/32GB. New customers only. T&Cs apply
$15.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#8
iiNet
iiNet

30GB Small Plan

  • 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply.
$15.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
#9
TPG
TPG
Editor's Pick

30GB Small Plan

  • 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply.
$15.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
#10
Moose Mobile
Moose Mobile

Moose 30 SIM Only

  • 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Get 50GB for $17– Includes $13 off for first 6 months, then reverts to $30. Offer ends 30.06.27
$17.00/mth
Min. cost $17
#1
Lyca Mobile
Lyca Mobile

Unlimited Plan M

  • 120GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps
  • Deal: $20 for first 6 renewals + includes 40GB bonus data on activation and first 11 renewals. Offer ends 31.12.26
$20.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#2
OnePass mobile
OnePass mobile

28 Day Plan - 65GB

  • 65GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Save $20 - Get 65GB for only $20 for the first 6 recharges! Recharges $40/65GB. New customers only. T&Cs apply
$20.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#3
Moose Mobile
Moose Mobile

Moose 40 SIM Only

  • 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Get 100GB for $22– Includes $18 off for first 6 months, then reverts to $40. Offer ends 30.06.27
$22.00/mth
Min. cost $22
#4
iiNet
iiNet

100GB Large Plan

  • 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps
  • Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply.
$22.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
#5
TPG
TPG

100GB Large Plan

  • 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps
  • Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply.
$22.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
#6
Pivotel
Pivotel

80GB Mobile Swift Plan

  • 80GB data
  • Deal: Incl. 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Offer ends 31.10.2026. T&Cs apply.
$22.50/mth
Min. cost $22.50
#7
Swoop
Swoop

60GB SIM Only 5G

  • 60GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Includes $10 off for first 6 months - $23/mth for first 6 months then $33/mth after that. Offer ends 30.06.2027
$23.00/mth
Min. cost $23
#8
Kogan Mobile
Kogan Mobile

Small Monthly Plan

  • 25GB data
$23.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
#9
Yomojo
Yomojo

Starter 29GB Plan

  • 29GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$24.90
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#10
Dodo
Dodo

Small Mobile Plan

  • 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$25.00/mth
Min. cost $25
#1
Swoop
Swoop

120GB SIM Only 5G

  • 120GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Includes $10 off for first 6 months - $30/mth for first 6 months then $40/mth after that. Offer ends 30.06.27
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $30
#2
Lebara Mobile
Lebara Mobile

$30 SIM Plan

  • 70GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Includes 35GB bonus data for first 3 recharges when you activate by 03.11.26
$30.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#3
Dodo
Dodo
Editor's Pick

Medium Mobile Plan

  • 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: 50% off for first 4 mths! Get the Medium Mobile Plan for $15/mth for first 4 mths. New and returning mobile customers only. Ends 27.10
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
#4
Coles Mobile
Coles Mobile

Prepaid $30 for 28 Days

  • 35GB data
  • Deal: Get the $30 SIM for only $10! Offer ends 27.10.26
$30.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#5
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom

30GB 5G Mobile SIM

  • 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $15/mth for 4 months then $30/mth. Offer available until withdrawn.
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
#6
Everyday Mobile
Everyday Mobile

Pre-paid Mobile $30 Recharge

  • 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Get 10% off an eligible Woolworths shop in store every month when you link your Everyday Rewards card. T&Cs apply
$30.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#7
felix mobile
felix mobile

felix 25GB Mobile Plan

  • 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply
$30.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
#8
Aussie Broadband
Aussie Broadband

Saver 5G SIM Plan

  • 20GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $30
Link not supplied
#9
amaysim
amaysim

UNLIMITED 15GB Plan

  • 15GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$30.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#10
More
More

30GB 5G Mobile SIM

  • 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Get $10/mth off new mobile plans for 36mths, then $4/mth ongoing when you sign up with a CommBank debit or credit card. Ends 31.3.27
$33.00/mth
Min. cost $33
Link not supplied
#1
felix mobile
felix mobile

felix Unlimited Mobile Plan

  • Unlimited data at download speeds up to 40Mbps
  • Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $20/mth for first 3 mths, then $40/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply
$40.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
#2
Moose Mobile
Moose Mobile

Moose 50 SIM Only

  • 250GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Get 250GB for $40– Includes $10 off for first 6 months, then reverts to $50. Offer ends 30.06.27
$40.00/mth
Min. cost $40
#3
Swoop
Swoop

250GB SIM Only 5G

  • 250GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Includes $10 off for first 6 months - $40/mth for first 6 months then $50/mth after that. Offer ends 30.06.27
$40.00/mth
Min. cost $40
#4
Lebara Mobile
Lebara Mobile

$40 SIM Plan

  • 140GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Includes 55GB bonus data for first 3 recharges when you activate by 03.11.26
$40.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#5
Exetel
Exetel

Plus One eSIM Plan

  • 130GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$40.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
#6
Optus
Optus

Optus Prepaid $40 SIM (AutoRecharge only)

  • 100GB data
  • Deal: $13 SIM deal - 1st 28 days only. Ends 3/11. Make the smart move to Optus. New services only. T&Cs apply.
$40.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
#7
Vodafone
Vodafone

$40 Prepaid Plus Recharge

  • 90GB data
  • Deal: Includes 60GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + $5 off with every Automatic Recharge
$40.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#8
Dodo
Dodo

Large Mobile Plan

  • 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: 50% off for first 4 mths! Get the Large Mobile Plan for $20/mth for first 4 mths. New and returning mobile customers only. Ends 27.10
$40.00/mth
Min. cost $20
#9
Kogan Mobile
Kogan Mobile

Large Monthly Plan

  • 80GB data
$40.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
#10
amaysim
amaysim

UNLIMITED 80GB Plan

  • 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Save $27 for first renewal when you sign up by 11.10.26. New services only. T&Cs apply
$40.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied

If you didn't find what you were looking for on these discounted plans, check out our cheap SIM-only plans and cheap mobile plans comparison guides to discover other affordable options.

Alex Angove-Plumb

Digital Content Editor

Alex Angove-Plumb
Alex Angove-Plumb is a Digital Content Editor at WhistleOut and an award-winning journalist. He's been in the tech publishing industry since 2010, putting him a few short years away from the title of Grizzled Ancient in his chosen profession. He was an original WhistleOut-er before running NBN Co's corporate blog for two years, then moving on to a lengthy stint at CHOICE. Now he's come home.

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