Which operators offer discounts for students?

Mobile operators in Calgary are actively competing for the student market segment, offering a variety of discounts and special offers for pupils and students of educational institutions. These programs cover both major telecommunications giants and their subsidiary brands, creating a wide range of options for young people with different needs and budgets. Given the high cost of mobile communications in Canada, student discounts are becoming an important factor in choosing an operator and plan.

Major carriers with student programs

Rogers: Comprehensive student offer

Rogers offers one of the most comprehensive student programs among Canadian carriers. The company provides a special plan with 60 GB of data for $60 per month after applying a discount for automatic payment when using your own phone. This plan is only available for new activations and requires proof of student status.

Additionally, Rogers offers a $75 credit on a Rogers Bank statement for students who have an eligible Rogers Red credit card. This creates an added incentive for students who want to get the most value out of their mobile spending. The company also has a “Save and Return” program that allows students to get the latest devices for a nominal monthly payment.

Rogers is particularly active during the back-to-school season, offering special promotions on phones and plans. The company has partnerships with universities through its IMAGINE WIRELESS program, which provides University of Calgary faculty and students with access to special discounts.

Bell Mobility: Student plans with international features

Bell offers specialized mobile plans for students through its Elite line of plans. The student version of Elite 100 costs $55 per month when adding a line with an automatic payment discount included. The plan includes 100 GB of data at 5G+ speeds and unlimited data at reduced speeds after the main package is used up.

A unique feature of Bell's student plans is the inclusion of international features — unlimited international SMS and hotspot. Bell also has special promotions on premium phones for students.

TELUS: Newcomer and student programs

TELUS offers competitive plans through its Newcomer program, which is often suitable for international students. TELUS Newcomer plans start at $65 per month and accept international documents. A partnership with CIBC Rapid Connect gives you 30 days of free Koodo service.

During Back to School, TELUS is promoting Bring-It-Back with 5G+ Complete plans. Koodo has options starting at $40/month for students.

Freedom Mobile: Special student offer

Freedom Mobile offers a student plan for $44/month for 18 months — 100 GB in Canada, the US, and Mexico + 15 GB Roam Beyond in 120+ countries. Proof of enrollment and a student email address are required.

Subsidiary brands and their student offers

Fido

Back to School plan with 40 GB for $45/month after autopay discount. Attractive smartphone financing options and Worldwide Combo add-on for $2/month available.

Virgin Plus

No separate student plans, but offers a Member Benefits program, discounts on devices, and waived activation fees for online purchases.

Koodo Mobile

Special plan for $40/month: 10 GB, international SMS, additional free perk (e.g., calls to 27 countries). There are attractive terms for new and refurbished phones.

Specialized plans for international students

CanadianSIM: Pre-activation

Plans for $30 for 50 GB or $40 for 100 GB with eSIM, activation before arrival in Canada.

University partnerships

  • University of Calgary: partnership with Rogers (IMAGINE WIRELESS).
  • SAIT: own discount programs through Saitsa.

General student discount programs

  • SPC: up to 30% off at 450+ stores.
  • UNiDAYS and Student Beans: student status verification, discounts on TELUS mobile plans.
  • Samsung and Apple: educational discounts on devices.

Practical tips for students

  • Documents and verification: student ID, letter of acceptance, sometimes study permit.
  • Activation timing: the best deals are at the end of summer, beginning of fall, and Boxing Day.
  • Long-term strategies: know what will happen after the promotional period ends, consider changing carriers.
  • Special features for international students: pay attention to international features.

Student mobile phone discounts in Calgary offer a wide range of options from all major carriers. To maximize savings, students should compare offers during seasonal promotions and plan ahead.