Last updated: August 2026
The obstacle for most students is not price — it is having no credit record. Affordability assessments are legally required, and with no income and no borrowing history there is nothing to assess.
What actually works
| Route | How it works |
|---|---|
| Prepaid | No agreement, no assessment — always available |
| A parent as account holder | Common, and the usual solution |
| Data-only SIM | Lowest threshold of any contract type |
| SIM-only, with income | Possible with part-time earnings |
If a parent signs, be clear that they carry the full liability, including the credit record consequences of a missed payment. That conversation is worth having properly before the agreement is signed.
Data is what students actually need
Lectures, research, submissions and streaming are all data. Minutes are largely irrelevant when everyone communicates through apps.
Prioritise the allocation over the handset, and check whether your institution provides campus WiFi or zero-rated access to its learning platform — many do, and it changes how much data you need to buy.
See how much data do I need and SIM only data deals.
Do not overspend on the phone
A mid-range Android does everything student life requires. A flagship on a 24-month contract is a commitment that outlasts most academic years and competes directly with the data budget that actually matters.
See budget Android deals and phones for students.
Build a record while you are at it
A small contract paid on time creates the credit history you will need later. That is a genuine long-term benefit — but only if the payments are comfortably affordable.
See SIM only deals, prepaid vs contract and cheap phone contracts.
Frequently asked questions
Can a student get a contract?
Only with assessable income. Otherwise prepaid, or a parent as account holder.
What should students prioritise?
Data allocation, well ahead of the handset.
Does a contract build credit?
Yes, if paid on time — and damages it if not.
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Pricing, terms and approval criteria change regularly. This is general information, not financial advice.