Sophie Collombet's family arrived at court after a heartbreaking trip from France.
Supreme Court justice Ann Lyon says there was only one sentence available for her self-confessed rapist and murderer under Queensland law.
"Benjamin Milward, I sentence you to life imprisonment for the murder of Sophie Collombet."
Justice Lyon says Milward will also serve a concurrent 15 years in jail for her rape.
"The sentence I'm about to impose denounces publicly your conduct and communicates to you society's absolute condemnation of your conduct. You attacked a defenceless woman. You showed her no respect."
Outside the court, the family welcomed the outcome.
Sophie Collombet's brother Guillaume spoke on their behalf.
"I am satisfied with the process, and I am satisfied the maximum penalty was applied. Nothing can ever bring back Sophie. The maximum penalty is the least he should have got for his actions."
Sophie Collombet died late on a rainy night on Brisbane's Southbank, walking home alone from university.
Her visibly distressed family left the courtroom as the prosecution gave graphic details from the post-mortem report of some of her 128 extensive external injuries.
Homeless and with a criminal history, Milward injected ice and was drinking before he attacked her.
He left his victim for dead, but she lived for several hours.
Her naked body was found the next morning.
Supreme Court justice Ann Lyon was scathing.
"You allowed your sexual desires to overwhelm you. You focused solely on your interests. You had no regard for Ms Collombet. Your actions were cowardly."
In a final thank-you, Guillaume Collombet acknowledged the outpouring of grief and support for the family from Brisbane residents.
"We have received many cards and flowers from strangers across Australia, especially in Brisbane. We read and kept every one in a little shrine at home."
