In Canada, student mobile plans typically range from $15 to $60 per month. The PC Mobile 20GB plan, priced at just $29, is the best student cell phone plan for 2024. This plan offers a generous amount of data, plus an additional 5GB bonus data when you enable auto top-up. You’ll also have access to Bell’s 5G network, with download speeds of up to 250Mbps, which is faster than many home broadband plans. This plan not just cover the student who are looking for reliable coverage , a solid balance of data, talk, and text, costs reasonable and even for someone looking for lots of data users.If you’re an international student, you’ll benefit from unlimited international texting, which is included in the plan. Plus, when you sign up with PC Mobile, you can earn 20,000 PC Optimum points after two months of service, and up to 10% of every top-up back in PC Optimum points. Every 10,000 points equals $10 worth of free rewards, making this plan even more attractive.If this plan doesn’t meet your specific needs or isn’t quite what you’re looking for, there are other great options available for students that you can explore.
| Carrier | Price | Features | Best for… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roger | $49/mth | *100GB High Speed Data *Spam Call Detect | Students requiring large amounts of data |
| Virgin Plus | $29/mth | *10GB Data | Quebec students looking for a rewards program to boost their savings |
| Chatr | $29/mth | *20.5GB Data *Unlimited Canada-wide Talk *Unlimited Text to Canada, US & International | Students searching for a cost-effective solution for unlimited international SMS messaging |
| PhoneBox | $35/mth | *50GB Canada Data *Up to 1,000 minutes of International Calling *UNLIMITED international text and picture messaging | Students who frequently need to stay in touch with contacts in the US |
| Bell | $44/mth + | *100 GB data of non-shareable data at 5G speed *Unlimited texting in Canada and internationally *$10/mo. Autopay credit | Students requiring large amounts of data |
| Videotron | $45/mth + | *25 GB data at 5G speed *Unlimited texting in Canada and internationally *Free 5G network access *Price for life | Students requiring large amounts of data |
Best Student Cell Phone Plans in Canada
For students, finding an affordable cell phone plan with sufficient data and features can be a challenge. Many carriers in Canada offer student-friendly plans tailored to budget-conscious users. Below is a detailed comparison of some of the best student cell phone plans available, including carrier information, pros, cons, and customer reviews.Pros and Cons of Student Plans
Pros
- ✔ Affordable pricing for students on a budget
- ✔ Special deals and discounts for students
- ✔ Flexibility in plan options, including data and talk
- ✔ No long-term contracts required
- ✔ Often includes perks like streaming services or data bonuses
Cons
- ✖ Limited features compared to regular plans
- ✖ Data may be capped or throttled after a certain limit
- ✖ Fewer international options or roaming features
Who is a Student Plan Right For?
Student cell phone plans are designed specifically for young people who need affordable and flexible plans to balance their schoolwork, social life, and limited budgets. These plans are particularly suited for:- Students who don’t want to commit to long-term contracts
- Users who need a decent amount of data but don’t want to overspend
- Individuals who prefer prepaid or monthly pay-as-you-go options
- People who want perks like free streaming services or bonus data
- Budget-conscious students with tight financial constraints
Fido
Fido is a subsidiary of Rogers and offers a variety of affordable plans that cater to students. It is known for its reliable network coverage, flexible data options, and occasional promotions targeting young users. Fido’s student plans often come with added perks like Spotify trials or extra data.
Fido – 10GB, Talk & Text – BYOP – QC
$10.00 Automatic Payments Discount
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Postpaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
20 GB
Data
$29
$39
Fido – 3GB Basic Plan – BYOP
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Postpaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
3 GB
Data
$35
Fido – 50GB, Talk & Text – BYOP – QC
$10.00 Automatic Payments Discount
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Postpaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
50 GB
Data
$35
$45Pros
- ✔ Strong network coverage
- ✔ Affordable data plans
- ✔ Extra perks like free streaming trials
- ✔ Flexible data options for students
- ✔ Good customer service
Cons
- ✖ Pricier compared to smaller carriers
- ✖ Limited international options
- ✖ Data throttling after the cap
Virgin Plus
Virgin Plus, operating on Bell’s network, offers some of the best deals for students in Canada. Known for excellent customer service and affordable pricing, Virgin Plus also provides students with special discounts, bonus data, and member benefits for various lifestyle perks, including streaming services and retail discounts.
Virgin Plus – 4G Unlimited Calling & Texting
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Postpaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
No Data
Data
$25
Virgin Plus – 10GB data, talk & text – QC
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Postpaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
10 GB
Data
$29
Virgin Plus – 50GB data, talk & text – QC
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Postpaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
50 GB
Data
$35
Pros
- ✔ Great customer service
- ✔ Competitive pricing
- ✔ Member benefits and discounts
- ✔ Good coverage on the Bell network
- ✔ Flexible data and talk options
Cons
- ✖ Limited international roaming
- ✖ Throttled data after the cap
- ✖ Slightly higher pricing for additional features
Koodo Mobile
Koodo Mobile, a subsidiary of Telus, is another strong choice for students looking for affordable and flexible plans. Koodo is known for its excellent coverage, competitive pricing, and no fixed-term contracts. Students can benefit from special deals and promos throughout the year.
Koodo Mobile – $25 4G Base Plan
1GB bonus data if automatic Top-Up
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Prepaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
1.5 GB
Data
$25
Koodo Mobile – $29 4G Base Plan
Bonus 5GB if automatic top-up
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Prepaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
15 GB
Data
$29
Koodo Mobile – 10GB Unlimited Talk & Text Perk Mobile Plan – QC
$5 auto pay discount;Pick 1 Free Perk
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Postpaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
20 GB
Data
$29
$34Pros
- ✔ Excellent coverage on the Telus network
- ✔ No fixed-term contracts
- ✔ Competitive pricing
- ✔ Good value for data
- ✔ Simple, transparent pricing
Cons
- ✖ Customer support can be slow
- ✖ Fewer perks than other providers
- ✖ Limited international roaming options
PhoneBox
PhoneBox is an affordable carrier operating on the Telus network, offering budget-friendly prepaid and monthly 5G plans with no contracts. It’s an ideal option for students looking to save money and who are comfortable using a self-service platform. Even after using up your data, you can still access the internet at reduced speeds. PhoneBox also supports eSIM, allowing for instant activation without waiting for a physical SIM card to be delivered.
PhoneBox – 50GB Monthly Plan + International Calling
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Postpaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
50 GB
Data
$35
PhoneBox – 20GB Prepaid Plan
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Prepaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
20 GB
Data
$35
PhoneBox – 75GB Monthly Plan + International Calling
- Contract: No Contract
- Plan Type: Postpaid
- Messages: Unlimited Messages
Unlimited
Minutes
75 GB
Data
$40
Pros
- ✔ Budget-friendly options
- ✔ Customizable plans
- ✔ Reliable Telus network
- ✔ No contracts or credit checks
- ✔ Self-service platform
Cons
- ✖ fewer local stores
- ✖ Slower data speeds in some areas
- ✖ Limited roaming options
Conclusion
Choosing the right student cell phone plan depends on your needs and budget. Providers like Fido, Virgin Plus, Koodo, and PhoneBox offer student-friendly plans with competitive pricing, solid data options, and added perks. While each carrier has its strengths and weaknesses, students should prioritize flexibility, affordability, and the amount of data they need. Whether you’re looking for a prepaid plan or a low-commitment monthly plan, there’s an option for every student in Canada.
FAQ
What are the most affordable student cell phone plans in Canada?
The most affordable student cell phone plans in Canada typically come from providers like Fido, Virgin Plus, and Koodo. These carriers often offer special discounts, bonus data, and flexible payment options for students. Plans can start as low as $15 per month, depending on the features included.
Do student cell phone plans in Canada include unlimited data?
Some student cell phone plans in Canada do offer unlimited data, but they often come with a data cap at high speeds, after which speeds are reduced. Providers like Fido and Virgin Plus occasionally offer promotions with unlimited data, making them a popular choice among students.
Which providers offer the best discounts for students?
Fido, Virgin Plus, and Koodo are known for offering some of the best discounts for students. These providers frequently run back-to-school promotions and offer exclusive deals that include bonus data, waived fees, or discounts on new phones. It’s advisable to check their websites or visit stores for the latest student offers.
Can international students in Canada get special cell phone plans?
Yes, many Canadian providers offer special cell phone plans for international students. These plans often include options for calling and texting to international numbers, as well as flexible contract terms that cater to the needs of students studying abroad. Providers like Public Mobile and Chatr are popular choices for international students due to their affordable prepaid plans.
How do student cell phone plans compare to regular plans in Canada?
Student cell phone plans in Canada are generally more affordable and include added perks like bonus data, discounts, and flexible payment options. While they may have similar features to regular plans, student plans often come with promotional offers tailored specifically for students, making them a better value for those enrolled in school.
4G LTE speeds of up to 150 Mbps
Unlimited Canada-wide calling & texting
Unlimited international texting