Choosing the right mobile plan is one of the most practical decisions a student makes in Australia — it affects your studies, communication with family and friends, and even your budget. With universities and colleges shifting more activities online, data allowances, network reliability, cost‑efficiency, and student‑friendly pricing are more important than ever.
Optus is one of the major carriers in Australia and offers a spectrum of mobile plans that can suit student lifestyles—from SIM‑only postpaid plans with large data allowances to flexible prepaid options on the 4G/5G network. While its student discount offering has been streamlined in recent years with a primary focus on one SIM‑only promotion, Optus remains a strong consideration for students needing reliable coverage across cities and campuses.
In this guide, we break down how the Optus student plans work, what you should look for before signing up, the real cost you’ll pay, and 20 practical tips to help you get the most value and avoid unexpected charges.
What Are Optus Student Mobile Plans?
Optus currently promotes a student‑targeted SIM‑only plan marketed as the Optus Choice Plus Student Plan. This plan offers:
100 GB monthly data for use in Australia
Unlimited national calls and texts
Special introductory pricing of ~$39/month for the first 12 months, reverting to about $59/month afterwards
While this is branded as a student plan, it’s worth noting that anyone with a valid tertiary student email (e.g., .edu.au) or eligible student ID can access the offer — and in some cases, the verification is only required briefly.
Why This Matters for Students
Large data allowance: 100 GB per month supports online lectures, streaming, social media, and messaging without constant overage worries.
Unlimited national usage: Calls and texts within Australia are unlimited, which is useful for coordinating campus life and work.
No long‑term lock‑in: It’s a month‑to‑month plan, meaning flexibility if your needs change.
However, unlike some competitors who provide data bonuses that persist beyond promo periods, the Optus student price typically reverts to the standard rate after the promotional period.
How the Student Offer Works
Optus generally requires some form of verification to access student pricing:
A valid .edu.au email address during sign‑up
Or a current student ID/university acceptance email if signing up in person
Once verified and activated, you’ll pay the discounted rate for the first 12 months. Cancelling or switching plans before that anniversary may forfeit the discount.
Notably, operational requirements and eligibility change over time, so it’s worth checking Optus’ official Student Hub or store before signing up.
Coverage, Technology & Performance
Optus offers 4G and 5G coverage across Australia’s major population centres, making it reliable for students living in cities or studying on campus. In urban areas, Optus’ 5G speeds can be competitive, though overall national 5G reach still trails the largest carrier.
5G access is included at no extra cost on most postpaid SIM plans, meaning faster speeds where the network is available. If you live in a regional or fringe zone, checking local coverage maps before committing can help avoid disappointment.
Pricing & Value Breakdown
| Feature | Student Plan (Intro) | Ongoing Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | ~$39/mo (12 months) | ~$59/mo thereafter |
| Data | 100 GB | 100 GB |
| National calls/texts | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Contract | Month‑to‑month | Month‑to‑month |
| Student eligibility required | Yes | N/A |
This approach gives predictable costs during the first year, but being prepared for the price jump after 12 months is critical for budgeting as a student.
Preparing Your Student Application
Before signing:
Verify your student credentials — confirm that your university email or ID will be accepted.
Decide on SIM‑only vs phone bundle — SIM‑only is often cheaper if you already own a phone.
Know your usage habits — if 100 GB per month is more than you need, consider a smaller prepaid plan instead.
20 Practical Tips for Choosing the Best Optus Student Plan
1. Confirm student eligibility before applying
Always check whether your university email or student ID qualifies you for Optus student pricing before signing up.
2. Understand how long the student discount lasts
Make sure you know the exact duration of the discounted price and what the plan will cost once the promotion ends.
Most Optus student offers run at a reduced price for the first 12 months. After that, the plan usually reverts to the standard monthly rate, which can significantly impact your budget if you are not prepared.
3. Compare SIM-only plans with phone bundle options
Decide whether you really need a new phone or if a SIM-only plan offers better long-term value.
SIM-only plans are often cheaper and more flexible, especially if you already own a compatible phone. Bundled phone plans may increase monthly costs due to handset repayments.
4. Estimate your monthly data usage realistically
Review how much data you use for streaming, online classes, social media, and messaging before choosing a plan.
Choosing a plan with far more data than you need can lead to unnecessary spending, while choosing too little can cause inconvenience or extra charges.
5. Check 4G and 5G coverage in your area
Verify Optus coverage at your campus, home, and commute routes to ensure reliable connectivity.
Although Optus has strong coverage in cities and large towns, network quality can vary in regional areas. Checking coverage maps helps prevent signal issues later.
6. Consider prepaid options if your budget is tight
Prepaid Optus plans can be a smart choice if you want full control over spending without monthly bills.
Prepaid plans offer flexibility and no contracts, making them suitable for students with changing schedules or irregular income.
7. Review international call and text inclusions
If you contact family or friends overseas, choose a plan with international call or text inclusions.
Some Optus student plans include limited international minutes, which can significantly reduce communication costs for international students.
8. Avoid long-term lock-in contracts
Choose month-to-month plans so you can change or cancel if your circumstances change.
Student life is unpredictable, and flexibility is important. Lock-in contracts can become costly if you need to leave early.
9. Monitor your usage through the Optus app
Use the Optus app to track data, calls, and billing to avoid unexpected charges.
Regular monitoring helps you stay within limits and understand whether your plan still suits your needs.
10. Plan ahead for the price increase after the first year
Set a reminder to review your plan before the promotional period ends.
Re-evaluating your plan before the price rises allows you to switch, downgrade, or renegotiate without paying more than necessary.
11. Compare Optus plans with other student offers
Always compare Optus student plans with Vodafone, Telstra, and budget providers before committing.
Other networks or MVNOs may offer better value depending on your data usage, location, and budget.
12. Look for data rollover or bonus data options
Choose plans that allow unused data to roll over or offer bonus data during promotions.
Data rollover features can prevent wasted data and improve overall value, especially during quieter study months.
13. Check hotspot and tethering allowances
Ensure your plan allows hotspot use if you rely on your phone for laptops or tablets.
Some students depend on mobile hotspot access for study sessions, especially in shared housing or during travel.
14. Avoid unnecessary add-ons and extras
Only pay for extras like insurance or subscriptions if they truly add value to your lifestyle.
Optional add-ons can quietly increase your monthly bill without delivering meaningful benefits.
15. Check roaming costs if you travel
Review international roaming rates if you plan to travel during semester breaks.
Roaming fees can add up quickly, so it’s important to understand what is included and what costs extra.
16. Use direct debit or autopay when available
Setting up automatic payments can help you avoid late fees and maintain account stability.
Autopay also simplifies budgeting and ensures uninterrupted service throughout the semester.
17. Review customer support quality
Reliable customer service matters when dealing with billing issues or technical problems.
Checking reviews can help you understand what level of support to expect from Optus.
18. Reassess your plan each academic year
Your data needs may change as your study workload and lifestyle evolve.
Annual plan reviews ensure you are not overpaying or under-serviced as your circumstances change.
19. Watch for semester-based student promotions
Optus often refreshes student deals around the start of academic terms.
Signing up during promotional periods can unlock better pricing or extra data.
20. Choose value over brand loyalty
Select the plan that meets your needs best, even if it means switching providers.
While Optus offers strong coverage and features, the best plan is ultimately the one that delivers the most value for your budget and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Choosing an Optus mobile plan as a student is not just about finding the cheapest monthly price—it is about finding a plan that fits your academic life, lifestyle habits, and financial reality. With online learning, streaming, constant messaging, and social media all competing for data, students need plans that are flexible, reliable, and easy to manage. Optus student plans stand out by offering generous data allowances, strong network coverage, and regular student-focused promotions that help ease financial pressure during study years.
However, the true value of an Optus student plan comes from informed decision-making. Understanding eligibility requirements, promotional timelines, data needs, and potential price changes helps you avoid unexpected costs. Students who regularly review their usage, compare SIM-only options, and stay alert to semester promotions are far more likely to maximise value while keeping expenses under control. Flexibility is key, especially for students whose schedules, housing, and study demands can change quickly.
Ultimately, the best Optus mobile plan is one that supports your studies without becoming a financial burden. By reassessing your plan each academic year, avoiding unnecessary add-ons, and choosing value over brand loyalty, you can ensure your mobile service remains a helpful tool rather than a stress point. A well-chosen plan empowers you to stay connected, productive, and focused throughout your student journey.
