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English Language Requirements
To study at Kent, you must be able to demonstrate a good level of spoken and written English. This page gives guidance on the qualifications we accept as an entry requirement onto our courses.
The University of Kent and University of Kent International College benchmark English Language ability against CEFR. Below is an example using IELTS:
Level | CEFR | IELTS Equivalent |
---|---|---|
Good |
B2 |
6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component |
Very Good | B2 | 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component |
Excellent | C1 | 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in each component |
The Level of English required for the course you are applying to can be found in the entry criteria section of the course page.
If British Sign Language (BSL) is your first language and you don't meet the English Language requirements, please get in contact to discuss your specific circumstances.
On this page
Pre-Sessional English
If you do not meet the English Language requirements, pre-sessional courses are available both in-person and online, to prepare international students for study at Kent. If you have sat a test more than once, then we strongly encourage you to apply for one of our pre-sessional English Language courses.
Approved English Language Tests
The University of Kent accepts a wide range of tests as proof of English Language ability.
Secure English Language Tests or SELTS are accepted by the UKVI for a number of purposes, include academic study, and are conducted in an approved centre. Non-SELT tests are available at a wider range of locations or are taken online and are also accepted for academic study.
Secure English Language Tests
IELTS for UKVI
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component |
Very Good | 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component |
Excellent | 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in each component |
IELTS One Skill Retake
We will accept the IELTS One Skill Retake. Only 1 One Skill Retake permitted per academic year.
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good |
ESOL SELT B2 Listening: 33/50; Reading: 35/50; Writing: 35/50; Speaking: 33/50 |
Very Good |
ESOL SELT B2 Listening: 38/50; Reading: 38/50; Writing: 38/50; Speaking: 38/50 |
Excellent |
ESOL SELT C1 Listening: 33/50; Reading: 33/50; Writing: 33/50; Speaking: 33/50 |
LanguageCert Academic SELT
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good |
Listening: 60; Speaking: 60; Reading: 60; Writing: 60 |
Very Good |
Listening: 60; Speaking: 60; Reading: 60; Writing: 60 |
Excellent |
Listening: 75; Speaking: 75; Reading: 75; Writing: 75 |
LanguageCert General SELT
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | Listening: 60; Speaking: 60; Reading: 60; Writing; 60 |
Very Good | Listening: 60; Speaking: 60; Reading: 60; Writing; 60 |
Excellent | Listening: 75; Speaking: 75; Reading: 75; Writing; 75 |
Pearson Academic UKVI
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | 63 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test |
Very Good | 67 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test |
Excellent | 76 with a minimum of 76 in each sub-test |
Skills for English UKVI
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good |
B2 Level: Minimum scores Listening: Pass Reading: Pass Writing: Pass Speaking: Pass With either Reading or Listening at Merit. |
Very Good |
B2 Level: Minimum scores Listening: Merit Reading: Merit Writing: Pass Speaking: Pass |
Excellent |
C1 Level: Minimum scores Listening: Pass Reading: Pass Writing: Pass Speaking: Pass |
Other English Language Tests
Cambridge B2 First Certificate
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | Grade C with a minimum of 165 in each sub-test |
Very Good | Grade B with a minimum of 160 in each sub-test |
Excellent | Grade A with a minimum of 160 in each sub-test |
Cambridge B2 Business Vantage Certificate
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | Grade C with a minimum of 165 in each sub-test |
Very Good | Grade B with a minimum of 160 in each sub-test |
Excellent | Grade A with a minimum of 160 in each sub-test |
Cambridge C1 Advanced Certificate
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | B2 with a minimum of 165 in each sub-test |
Very Good | B2 with a minimum of 170 in each sub-test |
Excellent | Grade C with a minimum of 180 in each sub-test |
Cambridge C1 Business Higher Certificate
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | B2 with a minimum of 165 in each sub-test |
Very Good | B2 with a minimum of 170 in each sub-test |
Excellent | Grade C with a minimum of 180 in each sub-test |
Cambridge C2 Proficiency Statement of Results
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | B2 with a minimum of 165 in each sub-test |
Very Good | B2 with a minimum of 170 in each sub-test |
Excellent | C1 with a minimum of 180 in each sub-test |
IELTS Academic
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component |
Very Good | 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component |
Excellent | 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in each component |
IELTS One Skill Retake
We will accept the IELTS One Skill Retake. Only 1 One Skill Retake permitted per academic year.
INTO English Language Assessment (IELA)
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | 169-175 |
Very Good | 176-184 |
Excellent | 185 |
LanguageCert International ESOL
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good |
ESOL B2 Listening: 33/50, Reading: 33/50, Writing: 33/50, Speaking: 33/50 |
Very good |
ESOL B2 Listening: 33/50, Reading: 33/50, Writing: 33/50, Speaking: 33/50 |
Excellent |
ESOL C1 Listening: 33/50, Reading: 33/50, Writing: 33/50, Speaking: 33/50 |
LanguageCert Academic
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | Listening: 60, Speaking: 60, Reading: 60, Writing: 60 |
Very Good | Listening: 60, Speaking: 60, Reading: 60, Writing: 60 |
Excellent | Listening: 75, Speaking: 75, Reading: 75, Writing: 75 |
LanguageCert General
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | Listening: 60, Speaking: 60, Reading: 60, Writing: 60 |
Very good | Listening: 60, Speaking: 60, Reading: 60, Writing: 60 |
Excellent | Listening: 75, Speaking: 75, Reading: 75, Writing: 75 |
LRN International English Language Competency Assessment (IELCA) test
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | IELCA Score of 30 |
Very Good | IELCA Score of 35 |
Excellent | IELCA Score of 40 |
NCUK English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | Grade C overall with a minimum of D in each sub-test |
Very Good | Grade B overall with a minimum of C in each sub-test |
Excellent | Grade A overall with a minimum of B in each sub-test |
Trinity College GESE with ISE II or SE III
GESE (Graded Examinations in Spoken English Language)
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | Grades 10 and 11 |
Very Good | Grades 10 and 11 |
Excellent | Grade 11 |
ISE Integrated Skills Reading and Writing (ISE II and ISE III)
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | ISE II - Merit in both sub-tests |
Very Good | ISE II - Distinction in both sub-tests |
Excellent | ISE III - Pass in both sub-tests |
Trinity College ISE Integrated Skills (ISE II and ISE III)
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | ISE II - Merit in each of the 4 sub-tests |
Very Good | ISE II - Distinction in each of the 4 sub-tests |
Excellent | ISE III - Pass in each of the 4 sub-tests |
INTO English Language Assessment (IELA)
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | Score between 169-175 |
Very Good | Score between 176-184 |
Excellent | Score of 185 |
KTE (Kaplan Test of English)
Formerly KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | 426-458, with a minimum of 426 in each component |
Very Good | 459-494, with a minimum of 426 in each component |
Excellent | 495-526, with a minimum of 495 in each component |
KTE (Kaplan Test of English) - An easy-to-access online English Language test that can be taken anywhere at any time.
Use this DISCOUNT CODE to claim a 25% discount: KENTKRS65
Simply enter this code on this booking form to claim the discount.
You’ll receive your KTE certificate within 5 working days of completing the test.
For more information, read the Student Guide.
LRN Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFR C1)
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | 426-458, with a minimum of 426 in each component |
Very Good | 459-494, with a minimum of 426 in each component |
Excellent | 495-526, with a minimum of 426 in each component |
ONCAMPUS Test of English Language (OCTOE)
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | 60% with no lower than 55% in each component |
Very Good | 65% with no lower than 55% in each component |
Excellent | 70% with no lower than 70% in each component |
Oxford ELLT Digital
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | 6 overall with no lower than 5 in each component |
Very Good | 7 overall with no lower than 5 in each component |
Excellent | 8 overall with no lower than 8 in each component |
Oxford English Language Level Test (ELLT) discount for Kent applicants
Oxford ELLT is a fully online English Language Level Test, approved by the University of Kent that can be used as evidence of a candidate’s English language proficiency for international admissions.
Register to take the Oxford ELLT
You can also benefit from using our discount code at check out to purchase the test for only £90.00 : KEN25
Oxford ELLT Global
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | 6 overall with no lower than 5 in each component |
Very Good | 7 overall with no lower than 5 in each component |
Excellent | 8 overall with no lower than 8 in each component |
Oxford Test of English Language
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | Overall score of 118 with a minimum of 111 in each component |
Very Good | Overall score of 126 with a minimum of 111 in each component |
Excellent | Overall score of 141 with a minimum of 141 in each component |
Pearson PTE Academic
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | 63 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test |
Very Good | 67 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test |
Excellent | 76 with a minimum of 76 in each sub-test |
Test of English Language for Educational Purposes (TEEP)
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | 6 |
Very Good | 6.5 |
Excellent | 7 |
TOEFL iBT
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | 80 overall (with a minimum of 20 in R; 19 in L&W; 22 in S) |
Very Good | 87 overall (with a minimum of 20 in R; 19 in L&W; 22 in S) |
Excellent | 95 overall (with a minimum of 24 in R&W; 22 in L; 25 in S) |
TOEFL iBT (Home Edition)
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | 80 overall (with a minimum of 20 in R; 19 in L&W; 22 in S) |
Very Good | 87 overall (with a minimum of 20 in R; 19 in L&W; 22 in S) |
Excellent | 95 overall (with a minimum of 24 in R&W; 22 in L; 25 in S) |
University of Sheffield English Language Proficiency Test (USEPT)
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | 60% |
Very Good | 65% |
Excellent | 70% |
English language Test Discount Codes
KTE (Kaplan Test of English)
KTE (Kaplan Test of English) - An easy-to-access online English Language test that can be taken anywhere at any time.
Use this DISCOUNT CODE to claim a 25% discount: KENTKRS65
Simply enter this code on this booking form to claim the discount.
You’ll receive your KTE certificate within 5 working days of completing the test.
For more information, read the Student Guide.
Oxford ELLT Digital
Oxford English Language Level Test (ELLT) discount for Kent applicants
Oxford ELLT is a fully online English Language Level Test, approved by the University of Kent that can be used as evidence of a candidate’s English language proficiency for international admissions.
Register to take the Oxford ELLT
You can also benefit from using our discount code at check out to purchase the test for only £90.00 : KEN25
Approved English Language Qualifications
We accept a number of English Language qualifications studied at High School, Secondary School or College.
A Level, GCSE and IB Students
If you are studying recognised qualifications in English at a school in the UK or an international school, we will consider the following qualifications:
GCE A Level
Grade C or above in English Language or English Literature
Achieved no more than 8 years before the start of the course. Any qualification taken more than 8 years ago will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
GCE AS Level
Grade C or above in English Language or English Literature
Achieved no more than 8 years before the start of the course. Any qualification taken more than 8 years ago will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
GCE O Level
Grade C or above in English Language
Achieved no more than 8 years before the start of the course. Any qualification taken more than 8 years ago will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
GCSE
Grade 4 / C or above in English Language
Achieved no more than 8 years before the start of the course. Any qualification taken more than 8 years ago will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
iGCSE (Cambridge)
IGCSE (First Language) (syllabus 0500)
Good | Grade C or above in English Language |
Very Good | Grade C or above in English Language |
Excellent | Grade B or above in English Language |
IGCSE (First Language) (syllabus 0522)
Good | Grade C or above in English Language |
Very Good | Grade C or above in English Language |
Excellent | Grade B or above in English Language |
IGCSE (Second Language) (syllabus 0511)
Good | Grade B or above in English Language |
Very Good | Grade B or above in English Language |
Excellent | Grade A in English Language |
Achieved no more than 5 years before the start of the course. Any qualification taken more than 5 years ago will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
iGCSE (Edexcel)
English Language A or English Language B
Achieved no more than 5 years before the start of the course. Any qualification taken more than 5 years ago will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Good | Grade 4 or above in English Language |
Very Good | Grade 5 or above in English Language |
Excellent | Grade 5 or above in English Language |
iGCSE (LRN)
Achieved no more than 5 years before the start of the course. Any qualification taken more than 5 years ago will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Good | Grade C or above in English Language |
Very Good | Grade C or above in English Language |
Excellent | Grade B or above in English Language |
European Baccalaureate (From 2021)
L1 English or L1A English
Good | 6.0 or above in English |
Very Good | 6.5 or above in English |
Excellent | 7.0 or above in English |
L2 English or L2A English
Good | 6.0 or above in English |
Very Good | 6.5 or above in English |
Excellent | 7.0 or above in English |
L3 English
Good | 8.0 or above in English |
Very Good | 8.5 or above in English |
Excellent | 8.5 or above in English |
Achieved no more than 5 years before the start of the course. Any qualification taken more than 5 years ago will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
European Baccalaureate (Until 2020)
L1 English or L1A English
- 7.0 or above in English Language or Language 1 English
L2 English or L2A English
- 7.5 or above in English Language
L3 English
- 8.0 or above in English Language
Achieved no more than 5 years before the start of the course. Any qualification taken more than 5 years ago will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level
A grade of 5 or more at higher level in one of the following:
English A: Language and Literature
English A: Literature
English Language B
Achieved no more than 5 years before the start of the course. Any qualification taken more than 5 years ago will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard Level
Achieved no more than 5 years before the start of the course. Any qualification taken more than 5 years ago will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
A grade of 5 or more at standard level in one of the following:
English A: Language and Literature
English A: Literature
English Literature and Performance
A grade of 7 at standard level in:
English Language B
Middle Years Programme
UK Nationals and those who do not require a visa to study in the UK may use grade 4 or higher in the English Language and Literature module of the Middle Years Programme to meet the GCSE requirements for a degree.
Middle Years Programme (eAssessment)
Those who require a visa to study in the UK are encouraged to sit the eAssessment for English Language and Literature and achieve a grade of 4 or more.
Achieved no more than 5 years before the start of the course. Any qualification taken more than 5 years ago will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Qualifications by country
Country | Qualification | Minimum grade requirements | Time limit |
---|---|---|---|
Botswana | Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) | C | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course |
Brunei | Brunei-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (B-C GCE O Level) | C | Achieved no more than 8 years prior to the start of the course |
Cameroon | GCE O Level | C | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course |
Ghana | WAEC or WASSCE | C6 | Achieved no more than 8 years prior to the start of the course |
Hong Kong | Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, Core English | 4 (with 3 in each component) | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course |
India | Senior School Certificate (All India Senior School Certificate) - Central Board of Education (CBSE) | 70% | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course |
Senior School Certificate (Delhi Senior School Certificate) - Central Board of Education (CBSE) | 70% | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
India School Certificate (Class-XII) - Council of Indian School Certificate Examination, New Delhi (CISCE / ICSE / ISC) | 70% | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
India School Certificate (Class-XII) - Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education | 70% | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
Standard XII / Higher Secondary Certificate - Andhra Pradesh Board of Secondary Education | 75% | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
Standard XII / Higher Secondary Certificate - Goa Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education | 75% | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
Standard XII / Higher Secondary Certificate - Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board | 75% | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
Standard XII / Higher Secondary Certificate - Kerala Higher Secondary Examination Board | 75% | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
Standard XII / Higher Secondary Certificate - Meghalaya Board of School Education | 75% | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
Standard XII / Higher Secondary Certificate - Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary Education | 75% | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
Standard XII / Higher Secondary Certificate - Telangana Board of Intermediate Education | 75% | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
Standard XII / Higher Secondary Certificate - West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education | 75% | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
Kenya | Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) | C | Achieved no more than 8 years prior to the start of the course |
Malawi | Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) | Grade 5 (Credit) | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course |
Malaysia | Cambridge English Language syllabus 1119 (SPM) | 5C | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course |
Mauritius | SC (Cambridge Overseas Secondary Certificate) | C | No time limit |
Nigeria | Senior School Certificate (NECO) or WAEC/WASSCE | C6 | Achieved no more than 8 years prior to the start of the course |
Norway | Norwegian Leaving Certificate from Upper Secondary School (Vitnemal fra den Videregaende Skole/Vitnemal for videregaende opplaering) | 4 (5 for those requiring IELTS 7.0) | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course |
Singapore | Singapore O Level English | C | Achieved no more than 8 years prior to the start of the course |
South Africa | National Senior Certificate | 5 | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course |
Tanzania | Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) | C | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course |
Uganda | Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) | 6 | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course |
Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) | 6 | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course |
|
West Indies / Caribbean | Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) | Grade 3 | No time limit |
Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) | C | No time limit | |
Bermuda Secondary School Certificate (BSSC) | C | No time limit | |
Zambia | Zambia School Certificate | 6 | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course |
Zimbabwe | Cambridge School Certificate / Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) / O Level / ZGCE | C | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course |
Worldwide | University of Cambridge IGCSE First Language English | C | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course |
University of Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language | B | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
LRN IGCSE English Language | 4 | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
GCSE/O Level English language | C | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
AP (in American High School Diploma system) – English | 3 | No time limit | |
IB - English A: Language and Literature Higher Level | 4 | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
IB - English A: Literature Higher Level | 4 | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
IB - English Language B Higher Level | 4 | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
IB - English A: Language and Literature Standard Level | 5 | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
IB - English A: Literature Standard Level | 5 | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
IB - English Language B Standard Level | 5 | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course | |
IB - English Literature and Performance Standard Level | 5 | Achieved no more than 5 years prior to the start of the course |
Foundation courses
Applicants who have studied a Foundation Course at a BALEAP Member Institution may use their English Language results to meet our entry criteria. Unless listed below, the results of the Foundation Course must clearly state scores for each of the four components: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.
INTO Academic English Language course
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | A minimum of B2: 6.0 |
Very Good | A minimum of B2: 6.5 |
Excellent | A minimum of C1: 7.0 |
INTO International Foundation Programme
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | A minimum of B2: 60% |
Very Good | A minimum of B2: 65% |
Excellent | A minimum of C1: 70% |
Kaplan International College English Language
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | A minimum of B2: 60% |
Very Good | A minimum of B2: 65% |
Excellent | A minimum of C1: 70% |
Newcastle University Pre-Masters English Language course
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | A minimum of B2: 6.0 |
Very Good | A minimum of B2: 6.5 |
Excellent | A minimum of C1: 7.0 |
Queen Mary University of London International Foundation Programme
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | 50% in English Language module |
Very Good | 50% in English Language module |
Excellent | A minimum of C1: 7.0 |
University of Northumbria International Foundation Diploma
Achieved no more than 2 years before the start of the course.
Good | 60% overall (for the 4 English Language modules) no module less than 50% |
Very Good | 65% overall (for the 4 English Language modules) no module less than 50% |
Excellent | 70% overall (for the 4 English Language modules) no module less than 60% |
UKVI majority English-speaking countries
Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries
If you are a national of one of the countries below, you may use your secondary school, high school, college or university qualifications to meet the CEFR B2 or C1 English Language requirements.
Degree holders
If you are not a national of a UKVI majority English-speaking country and hold a degree, Master's or PhD from one of the countries below, awarded within the last 5 years, you may be able to use this to meet the CEFR B2 and C1 English Language requirements.
UKVI Majority English-speaking countries
Antigua and Barbuda | Ireland |
Australia | Jamaica |
The Bahamas | Malta |
Barbados | New Zealand |
Belize | St Kitts and Nevis |
British Overseas Territories* | St Lucia |
Canada (nationals only) | St Vincent and the Grenadines |
Dominica | Trinidad and Tobago |
Grenada | UK |
Guyana | USA |
*The following territories are currently identified as British Overseas Territories:
Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands.