"Our commitment to upholding standards and our ability to develop rigorous qualifications are fuelled by our financial performance."

Schools will still have the freedom to offer a range of courses but only results in the most rigorous qualifications will boost their position in league tables.

We need a range of high quality, rigorous and challenging qualifications in all appropriate subjects, so that grades and equivalences are applied consistently.

Thanks to soaring unemployment and slow growth, Germany's budget deficit is now too high to meet the rigorous qualifications for joining the euro that Germany itself set.

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the College provides membership for doctors worldwide specializing in surgery who pass a set of rigorous qualifications.

The best degrees in computer science are among the most rigorous and respected qualifications in the world.

Duration: 36 Weeks A rigorous studio-based qualification that combines art and technology to communicate ideas.

As head of Columbia's Biochemistry Department, Clarke took a personal interest in graduate students, of whom he demanded rigorous qualifications prior to admission.

The hurdles in Houston include lower wages, more rigorous qualifications, and a reluctance to invest in employees who might return home at any time.

The state Board of Regents is also thinking of more rigorous qualifications for new teachers and teaching colleges.