Expressions of value in education: credit, money and the case of foreign qualification recognition in Australia’s skilled migration program

This study examines the nature of expressions of value in education. It uses monetary theory to argue that representations like qualifications have the same three functions as money. These functions are as a measure of value, a store of value and a medium of exchange. To explore these issues in a real-life situation, this study uses foreign qualification recognition (FQR) in Australia’s skilled migration program, which is a process used to determine who can migrate to Australia. The study finds that rather than assessing skill, the process recognises the credit relations associated with certain educational experiences.