Mrs Ellis has received a scholarship of 10,000 euros - about $18,000 - and a place in a nine-week course at the International Space University (ISU) in Strasbourg, France.

"I am the only Australian with a scholarship to the program this year," she said.

She still needs sponsorship of about $14,000 to be able to attend.

"It would be great for Australia to have more people that have this expertise, when I get back I can give talks at schools and enter a growing Australian space industry," she said.

The course is the first part of a masters degree and the university only accepts about 100 people from around the globe to attend.

Until late 2008 she worked as a senior scientific technical officer for the BHP-Billiton company.

With a science degree and now studying law, Mrs Ellis is interested in space law and the application of space technology for sustainable living on earth.

To offer financial assistance contact Kim Ellis on 0458 400 055.