Harith WickramasinghaMobile Plans for International Students in Australia
Choose the right mobile phone plan and save over $500 per year. This is a Guide to Mobile Sim Plans for International Students in Australia.
⭐ International Student Community Prefered Choices
| Provider | Plan | Length of Prepaid plan | Upfront Cost | Cost Per Month | Features | |
 | Large | 1 Year | $170 | $14.16/Month | 300GB of Data across 365 days VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling capabilities BYO Phone number & device UNLIMITED* standard national calls UNLIMITED* standard texts and MMS Free SIM card included | Visit |
| Extra Large | 1 Year | $200 | $16.6/Month | 500GB of Data across 365 days VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling capabilities BYO Phone number & device UNLIMITED* standard national calls UNLIMITED* standard texts and MMS Free SIM card included | Visit |
In this guide
Can I sign up for any mobile plan as an International Student in Australia?
As an international student, your ability to sign up for a mobile plan may vary depending on several factors such as visa status, required documentation and credit check.
- Visa Status: Some mobile carriers may require you to have a specific visa status to be eligible for certain plans. For example, some plans may be available only to those on student visas.
- Identification and Documentation: You will likely need to provide identification and documentation to sign up for a mobile plan. This could include your passport, visa, proof of address, and possibly other forms of identification.
- Credit Check: Depending on the type of plan you’re applying for, the mobile carrier may conduct a credit check. If you’re a new arrival in Australia, you may not have an established credit history, which could affect your eligibility for certain plans.
- Financial Capability: Some plans may have minimum income requirements or require you to demonstrate your ability to pay for the plan, such as through proof of funds or a bank statement.
What documents do I need to sign up?
It’s important to note that not all mobile plan providers in Australia accept international student signups. The primary reason for this limitation is the requirement for a valid Australian ID, such as a driver’s license or Medicare card, during the registration process. However, a select few providers offer the flexibility for international students to sign up using their overseas passports.
- To be at least 18 years old
- A credit or debit card, bank account details, or a PayPal account to set up direct debit
- One of the following IDs:
- Australian Driver’s Licence
- International Passport
- Australian Photo ID
What types of mobile plans can you get in Australia?
The three major mobile providers are Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Australian sim-only mobile plans can be broken down into two main types, prepaid and postpaid. Prepaid plans require upfront payment for mobile service, offering flexibility and avoiding bill shock, while postpaid plans involve paying after usage, allowing for exceeding plan limits with potential extra charges. Here is a comparison of prepaid and postpaid plans.
| Feature | Prepaid Plans | Postpaid Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Timing | Paid before usage, usually at the start of the month | Paid after usage, typically at the end of the month |
| Billing Structure | Converted upfront payment into mobile credit | Fixed monthly payment for set amount of calls, texts, and data |
| Excess Usage | Requires recharge if inclusions are used up before expiry | Allows exceeding plan limitations with extra charges applied, or switches to capped-speed “unlimited” data |
| Contract Options | No contracts, operates on a pay-as-you-go basis | Typically offered as month-to-month plans, but contracts may be available with new phone purchases |
| Main Appeal | Upfront payment and no risk of bill shock | Flexibility to exceed plan limits if necessary |
| Data Inclusions | Varies, often with unlimited talk and text options | Varies, with options ranging from small data inclusions to plans with large data allowances |
| Cost | Plans often start at lower costs with fewer data inclusions | Costs vary depending on data allowances and other inclusions, ranging from affordable options to pricier plans with larger data limits |
Which plan do we recommend for International Students?
For international students, choosing the right mobile phone plan depends on various factors such as budget, usage patterns, and preferences. Prepaid plans often offer flexibility and control over expenses, making them an attractive option for students who want to manage their spending closely and avoid unexpected bills. With prepaid plans, students can budget their expenses upfront, avoiding the potential for overspending or bill shock. Overall, we recommend prepaid plans for international students in Australia mainly due to its affordability.
Additionally, prepaid plans typically do not require a credit check or long-term contracts, making them accessible to international students who may not have an established credit history or plan to stay in Australia for an extended period. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for students who may return to their home countries after completing their studies or who frequently travel internationally.
| Plan | Length of Prepaid plan | Upfront Cost | Cost Per Month | Features | |
| Small | 1 Month | $15 | $15/Month | 10GB of Data across 365 days VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling capabilities BYO Phone number & device UNLIMITED* standard national calls UNLIMITED* standard texts and MMS Free SIM card included | Visit |
| Medium | 1 Month | $25 | $25/Month | 40GB of Data across 365 days VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling capabilities BYO Phone number & device UNLIMITED* standard national calls UNLIMITED* standard texts and MMS Free SIM card included | Visit |
| Large | 1 Month | $40 | $40/Month | 80GB of Data across 365 days VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling capabilities BYO Phone number & device UNLIMITED* standard national calls UNLIMITED* standard texts and MMS Free SIM card included | Visit |
| Large | 1 Year | $170 | $14.16/Month | 300GB of Data across 365 days VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling capabilities BYO Phone number & device UNLIMITED* standard national calls UNLIMITED* standard texts and MMS Free SIM card included | Visit |
| Extra Large | 1 Year | $200 | $16.6/Month | 500GB of Data across 365 days VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling capabilities BYO Phone number & device UNLIMITED* standard national calls UNLIMITED* standard texts and MMS Free SIM card included | Visit |
Why did we pick out these plans for you?
Every year we go through an extensive list of mobile packages and pick the best ones for our community. Here are all the reasons why the International Students Australia community recommends these mobile plans to all international students.
Deep value for money
These mobile plans offer the best value for money compared with any of the other providers in Australia. Kogan’s monthly mobile plans average out to be $0.62 per 1GB, which is great against a benchmark of $1 per GB. You can get even deeper value when you sign up for a longer-term plan where the cost per 1GB is $0.4 which is the best in the industry.
Excellent Coverage
Kogan mobile plans leverage Vodafone’s robust 4G network. Vodafone’s 4G mobile network covers 96% of the population, making it one of the most extensive among major telcos. Rest assured, Kogan’s coverage mirrors what you’d receive with a plan directly from Vodafone. While urban customers can expect seamless connectivity, rural and regional areas may see variations, as Kogan lacks the extensive coverage of Telstra’s network, which reaches 99.5% of the population.
Great customer support
For those seeking assistance with Kogan Mobile, there’s a reliable avenue: its responsive call centre. Feel free to reach out to Kogan Mobile’s call centre any day between 8 am and 8 pm. It’s worth noting that Kogan provides comprehensive online support, including helpful FAQs on their website. Additionally, their commitment to customer service extends beyond online platforms, ensuring a seamless experience for all users.
Enticing features offered by Kogan with every mobile plan:
✈️ Qantas Frequent Flyer Points: Link your Qantas frequent flyer account to Kogan, and you’ll earn bonus points with every Kogan Mobile bill payment. For every $2 spent, you’ll receive 1 Qantas frequent flyer point.
🔄 Data Rollover: On a Kogan monthly plan, any unused data at the end of the month rolls over for future use. You can store up to 200GB of data, but remember, if you cancel or switch plans, you forfeit any saved data.
➕ Data Add-ons: Running low on data before your next recharge? Kogan offers data add-ons to keep you connected. For $5, you can get 3GB with a 2-day expiry, or for $10, enjoy 3GB with a 7-day expiry.
🌍 International Roaming Packs: Stay connected with your family and friends while travelling with Kogan’s international roaming packs. Choose from options like 1-day roaming for $10 (1GB data, 50 call minutes, 50 texts), 3-day roaming for $25 (2GB data, 100 call minutes, 100 texts), or 7-day roaming for $45 (5GB data, 150 call minutes, 150 texts).
📞 International Call Packs: Connect with friends and family abroad with Kogan’s international call packs. Options include 10 countries for $5, 15 countries for $10, or 20 countries for $15. Each plan offers 250 minutes of standard international calls valid for 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I purchase a mobile plan if I’m still overseas and haven’t come to Australia yet?
Absolutely! Many mobile providers in Australia offer the convenience of allowing you to purchase a mobile plan even before arriving in the country. This is especially beneficial for international students who want to ensure seamless connectivity upon arrival. Here’s what you need to know:
How long does it take to get a SIM card and activate a new mobile plan?
Your service should be activated in approximately 1 hour, but sometimes it can take longer, up to 4 hours in some circumstances and on rare occasions, 7-10 days. If you’re having trouble, contact your mobile provider directly.
Can I use my existing mobile phone in Australia?
Australian phone networks work on GSM technology. This is the standard in most countries around the world, so your phone should work in significant parts of Europe, Asia, US, UK, and New Zealand. Other countries may have a mix of technologies, so you might have to do a bit of research to make sure there’s a provider who’ll support your device.
Ensure that your mobile phone is unlocked, meaning it is not restricted to or tied to a specific mobile provider. When a phone is unlocked, it can be used with SIM cards from different carriers, providing you with the flexibility to choose and switch between various mobile service providers. If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, you may encounter compatibility issues when trying to use a SIM card from a different network. To confirm if your phone is unlocked, you can contact your current mobile provider or check with the device manufacturer. Unlocking your phone broadens your options, allowing you to select a mobile plan that best suits your needs, irrespective of the service provider.
Do I need separate mobile plans for different states in Australia?
No, you do not need separate mobile plans for different states in Australia. Mobile plans offered by major providers typically provide nationwide coverage, allowing you to use your plan seamlessly across different states and territories. Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or any other part of Australia, your mobile plan should work without any changes required.
Is it better to buy a phone on a plan or get a SIM-only plan and buy it outright?
This varies depending on your budget. Opting to purchase a phone upfront is typically more cost-effective, allowing you to pair your device with a SIM-only plan from any provider.
Choosing to buy a phone on a plan spreads out the cost over 12, 24, or 36 months, making it more manageable financially.
However, it’s worth noting that major carriers like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone primarily offer phone plans, which can end up costing you more in the long term compared to SIM-only plans from smaller providers.
