- Back to school means checking your Internet is working for you
- Study smoothly with no slowdowns
- Learn which plans are ideal for studying
As a new school year begins, students across Australia are preparing for the challenges ahead. From high school assignments to university lectures, the demand for reliable Internet is higher than ever.
A fast and stable NBN connection can make all the difference, ensuring students have seamless access to online classes, research tools, and collaborative platforms.
We’ll talk you through the best NBN plans tailored for students and provide tips to make the most of your Internet connection during study sessions.
Why faster NBN plans matter for students
Students today rely heavily on the Internet for their education. High schoolers often use it for research, assignments, and group projects, while university students need access to online lectures, exam portals, and collaborative tools like Google Drive.
Many students also stream educational videos or use resource-heavy software that demands high-speed connections.
The consequences of slow Internet can be frustrating: missed deadlines, buffering during lectures, and reduced productivity.
A faster NBN plan ensures smooth online interactions, helping students stay focused and productive throughout their studies.
Upgrading or switching NBN plans to meet study needs
Before upgrading, assess your current plan’s performance. Ask yourself:
- Is the speed sufficient for multiple users in the household?
- Are there frequent slowdowns during peak hours (evenings)?
- Does your plan include enough data for everyone’s needs?
Popular NBN plans for students

- Unlimited
- 100/17 Mbps
- Deal: $60.90 for first 6 months, then $85.90 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 100/17 Mbps
- Deal: $60.90 for first 6 months, then $85.90 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 50/17 Mbps
- Deal: $62.90 for first 6 months, then $82.90 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 50/17 Mbps
- Deal: $62.90 for first 6 months, then $82.90 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 50/17 Mbps
- Deal: $67 for first 6 months, then $81 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 50/17 Mbps
- Deal: $67 for first 6 months, then $81 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 50/17 Mbps
- Deal: $67 for first 6 months, then $81 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 50/17 Mbps
- Deal: $67 for first 6 months, then $81 ongoing

- Unlimited Data
- 50/17 Mbps
- Deal: $68.90 for first 12 months, then $83.90 ongoing

- Unlimited Data
- 50/17 Mbps
- Deal: $68.90 for first 12 months, then $83.90 ongoing

- Unlimited Data
- 100/17 Mbps
- Deal: $73.90 for first 12 months, then $88.90 ongoing

- Unlimited Data
- 100/17 Mbps
- Deal: $73.90 for first 12 months, then $88.90 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 100/17 Mbps
- Deal: $79.99 for first 6 months, then $89.99 for 6 months, then $89.99 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 100/17 Mbps
- Deal: $79.99 for first 6 months, then $89.99 for 6 months, then $89.99 ongoing
Key features to consider
When upgrading or switching plans, look for:
- Unlimited data to avoid overage charges.
- High speeds during peak hours (check providers’ typical evening speeds).
- Flexible contracts or no-lock-in plans, especially for students in short-term housing.
- Value-added extras like free modems, streaming service bundles, or student discounts.
Best times of the day for students to study online
Internet speeds often slow down during the evenings (7 PM to 11 PM) when many households stream shows, browse social media, or play games online. Even with premium plans, congestion during these hours can affect performance.
Encourage students to focus on online tasks during:
- Early mornings (6 AM to 9 AM) when the network is less congested.
- Midday hours (10 AM to 3 PM), especially for uni students with flexible schedules.
To avoid peak-hour slowdowns, use the following tips:
- Download study materials during off-peak times for offline access.
- Use Wi-Fi extenders or mesh networks to ensure a strong connection in study areas.
- Upgrade to plans with higher evening speeds or explore providers offering priority service during peak hours.
Recommended NBN providers and student-friendly plans
Here are some leading providers offering reliable, student-friendly NBN plans:
Telstra
- Known for reliable speeds and wide coverage, you can read more about Telstra plans on our dedicated page.
- Offers student bundles with streaming service add-ons.

- Unlimited
- 50/17 Mbps
- Deal: $95 for first 6 months, then $105 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 50/17 Mbps
- Deal: $95 for first 6 months, then $105 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 100/17 Mbps
- Deal: $95 for first 6 months, then $110 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 100/17 Mbps
- Deal: $95 for first 6 months, then $110 ongoing
Aussie Broadband
- Customisable plans tailored to individual needs, which you can learn more about on our Aussie Broadband page.
- Transparent about typical evening speeds.

- Unlimited Data
- 98/33 Mbps
- Deal: $95 for first 6 months, then $105 ongoing

- Unlimited Data
- 98/33 Mbps
- Deal: $95 for first 6 months, then $105 ongoing
Optus
- Competitive pricing for NBN 50 and NBN 100 plans can be found on our Optus page.
- Includes free streaming services like Netflix or Optus Sport with some bundles.

- Unlimited Data
- 100/18 Mbps
- Deal: $89 for first 6 months, then $99 ongoing

- Unlimited Data
- 100/18 Mbps
- Deal: $89 for first 6 months, then $99 ongoing

- Unlimited Data
- 100/18 Mbps
- Deal: $110 for first 6 months, then $120 ongoing

- Unlimited Data
- 100/18 Mbps
- Deal: $110 for first 6 months, then $120 ongoing
TPG
- Affordable options are available on our TPG page, and are ideal for smaller households or shared student housing.
- Flexible plans with no lock-in contracts.

- Unlimited
- 100/17 Mbps
- Deal: $79.99 for first 6 months, then $89.99 for 6 months, then $89.99 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 100/17 Mbps
- Deal: $79.99 for first 6 months, then $89.99 for 6 months, then $89.99 ongoing
With Compare Broadband, you can compare providers based on your household’s size, budget, and Internet usage habits to find the best fit.
Practical study tips for students and families
Now that you’ve seen why it’s important to consider your NBN plan now that school is restarting, take a look at our top tips for getting practical with your study:
Test your current Internet speed
Use online tools like Speedtest to check if your current connection meets your needs. Compare these results with the speeds promised by your provider, and then call our Compare Broadband team to see whether you could be capturing better speeds.
Have a peaceful place to study
Place your study setup close to the router for a stronger connection. Alternatively, invest in a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network to ensure coverage throughout the home.
Prioritise study devices over gaming
Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router to prioritise devices used for study during peak hours. This ensures smoother performance for essential activities.
Check if you can get a student discount
Some providers offer exclusive deals through the year. Check with your provider or explore new plans to take advantage of these discounts.
Connect with Compare Broadband for more
Fast, reliable Internet is no longer a luxury - it’s a necessity for students navigating the demands of modern education. As the new school year begins, take the time to evaluate your current NBN plan and consider upgrading to ensure your Internet can handle the challenges ahead.
With the right plan, students can focus on achieving their best without the frustrations of slow speeds or connection dropouts.
Don’t let slow Internet hold your studies back. Call our team on 1300 764 000 today to explore NBN plans and upgrade to a faster, more reliable connection for a successful school year.
FAQs
What speed do I need for online learning?
Most students will find NBN 50 sufficient, but households with multiple users or heavy data needs may benefit from NBN 100 or higher.
How can I improve Wi-Fi coverage in my home?
Invest in a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network to eliminate dead zones and ensure strong coverage throughout your home.
Are there NBN plans specifically for students?
While there are no plans exclusively for students, many providers offer flexible, affordable options ideal for student needs. Look for plans with unlimited data and no lock-in contracts.