Cheapest VPNs for Students in Australia (2026 Budget Guide)

Introduction

Being a student in Australia often means juggling tuition fees, rent, transport, and everyday living costs. Subscriptions can quickly add up, so it’s no surprise many students search for “the cheapest VPN in Australia” or “budget VPN for uni students”. The good news is that you don’t need an expensive plan to stay secure online.

A VPN can be especially useful for students who rely on shared university Wi-Fi, live in student accommodation, or stream content from overseas while travelling. The challenge is finding a VPN that’s affordable, reliable, and fast enough for everyday use.

In this 2026 guide, we compare the cheapest VPNs for students in Australia, focusing on pricing in AUD, unlimited device support, Australian servers, and overall value. If you’re new to VPNs, you may want to start with our main comparison: Best VPN for Australia in 2026.

Quick Comparison: Best Budget VPNs for Students (2026)

VPN	Lowest Price (AUD)	Devices	Best For	Rating
Surfshark	~$3.20 / month	Unlimited	Best overall value	⭐ 4.7 / 5
NordVPN	~$6.50 / month	6	Speed & reliability	⭐ 4.8 / 5
Private Internet Access	~$3.50 / month	Unlimited	Advanced users	⭐ 4.5 / 5

Tip: Prices are based on long-term plans, which usually offer the best value for students.

Best Cheap VPNs for Students in Australia

1) Surfshark — Cheapest VPN with Unlimited Devices

Surfshark is one of the most popular budget VPNs for Australian students. Its biggest advantage is simple: one subscription works on unlimited devices. That means you can protect your laptop, phone, tablet, and even share with housemates.

Why it suits students:

• Very low long-term pricing
• Unlimited devices (great for shared households)
• Australian servers for local access and streaming

Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Easy-to-use apps

Cons:

• Speeds can vary during peak hours

2) NordVPN — Best Balance of Price & Performance

While not the cheapest on paper, NordVPN often delivers better speeds and stability than ultra-budget options. For students who attend online classes, video calls, or stream regularly, the extra performance can be worth the small price difference.

Student-friendly features:

• Fast Australian servers
• Strong privacy protection on public Wi-Fi
• Good deals on long-term plans

Pros:

• Very fast speeds
• Reliable for streaming and study

Cons:

• Limited to a set number of devices

3) Private Internet Access (PIA) — Budget Choice for Power Users

Private Internet Access is often overlooked, but it’s a solid low-cost option for students who like to customise settings. It offers unlimited device connections and competitive pricing, especially on longer plans.

Why some students prefer PIA:

• Affordable pricing
• Unlimited devices
• Advanced configuration options

Pros:

• Strong privacy tools
• Good value

Cons:

• Interface may feel complex for beginners

How Students Should Choose a Cheap VPN in Australia