Listen to Clado!
Well said Clado, schools who demand payment in full before a course starts, usually do so because they need the cash flow. If they will not refund in full when they cancel, it may well be because they no longer have your cash. I appeal to all young wannabes not to pay upfront, no matter what the incentives / promises are made, find a school that accepts stage payments or a reasonable deposit and can be trusted with your money. Ensure that you have a written agreement of what will happen in the event of cancellation. If an ATO will not reasonably agree to such an arrangement, think long and hard before you pitch in with them.
Regardless, any outfit that will not refund advance monies immediately upon cancellation/ non delivery are not to be condoned and others should take heed. Surely, other than documented non refundable deposits, Companies have no right to retain funds placed on account. Such funds should be repayable on demand.