From head boy to prime minister: What are Rishi Sunak's educational qualifications?

Time of India

3 days ago

Rishi Sunak has been a prominent figure in British politics, who served as the UK's Prime Minister from October 2022 until July 2024. His rise to such a high office is often linked not just to his political skills, but also to his strong educational background.
Yesterday, during the final of IPL 2025, the former UK PM was spotted witnessing the match with his wife. When Krunal Pandya took the key wicket of opener Prabhsimran Singh in the ninth over, Sunak, who was sitting next to ICC chairman Jay Shah, couldn't hold back his excitement. In the middle of a deep conversation, he burst into a lively celebration, pumping his fists as Royal Challengers Bangalore secured their second wicket while defending a score of 191 in Ahmedabad.
Education shapes leaders in many ways, by providing them with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and experiences that help to shape their decisions and leadership ways.
Here are Rishi Sunak's educational qualifications from his early schooling days to prestigious universities.
Early schooling at Winchester College
Rishi Sunak's education began at Winchester College, which is one of the most exclusive private schools in England, and is well known for its high academic standards and rich history.
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Winchester has produced several notable alumni, including six chancellors of the Exchequer.
Sunak's time there was marked by leadership and involvement, as he was both 'head boy' and the editor of the school newspaper. These roles helped him develop early leadership skills and a sense of responsibility. According to Britannica, Sunak also worked during summer vacations, waiting tables at an Indian restaurant in Southampton, which helped him connect with his roots and understand the value of hard work.
Studying philosophy, politics, and economics at Oxford
After Winchester, Sunak went on to study at Lincoln College, Oxford University, where he pursued a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE). This multidisciplinary program is famous for shaping many future British politicians, giving them a solid grounding in critical thinking, governance, and economic principles.
While at Oxford, Sunak was also president of the Oxford Trading & Investment Society, which gave him hands-on experience with financial markets and global trading.
Additionally, during his university years, Sunak interned at the Conservative Party headquarters, an early step in his political career. According to sources, this period was crucial in blending his academic knowledge with real-world political exposure.
MBA from Stanford University
Sunak further advanced his education by earning an MBA from Stanford University as a Fulbright scholar. This prestigious scholarship is awarded to individuals showing exceptional promise.
At Stanford, he deepened his understanding of business and finance, which later proved invaluable during his work in hedge funds and his role as Chancellor of the Exchequer. During his time there, Sunak met his future wife, Akshata Murthy, who is the daughter of Philanthropist Sudha Murty and Infosys co-founder Narayan Murty.
Impact of education on Sunak's career
Rishi Sunak's educational qualifications laid a strong foundation for his financial and political careers. His experiences helped him build expertise in economics, leadership, and business strategy. As quoted in various reports, Sunak himself has drawn parallels between lessons learned in his family business and the values of Conservative Party icon Margaret Thatcher, highlighting how education and upbringing combined to shape his outlook.