Finite element solutions are presented for the optimal design of symmetrically laminated rectangular plates with various types of internal line supports. These plates are subject to a combination of simply supported, clamped and free boundary conditions. The design objective is the maximisation of the biaxial buckling load. This is achieved by determining the fibre orientations optimally with the effects of bending-twisting coupling taken into account. The finite element method coupled with an optimisation routine is employed in analysing and optimising the laminated plate designs. The effect of internal line support type and boundary conditions on the optimal ply angles and the buckling load are numerically studied. The laminate behavior with respect to fibre orientation changes significantly in the presence of internal line supports as compared to that of a laminate where there is no internal supporting. This change in behavior has significant implications for design optimisation as the optimal values of design variables with or without internal supporting differ substantially.