He then attended St Bede's College in Christchurch, New Zealand, before going to the University of Canterbury where he graduated with a BSc degree in mathematics, and a BA, an MA[2] and a PhD degree in economic geography titled 'Regional inequalities in socio-economic development in Tonga' .

Sevele was appointed acting prime minister after the sudden resignation of Prince ʻUlukālala Lavaka Ata on 11 February 2006,[6] six months after the series of strikes calling for a lesser role in government for the royal family.

Sevele's role was made permanent by King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV on 30 March 2006.

[7] He is the country's third non-noble Prime Minister after Shirley Waldemar Baker and Siosateki Tonga.

Following the completion of his term as prime minister, he was created a Tongan life peer by King George Tupou V with the noble title of Lord Sevele of Vailahi.