Originally from South Africa, Dr Lalieu graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in 1981 with a dental degree - receiving the Dental Association of South Africa's Bronze Medal. He then spent the next few years working as a general dentist before completing his post-graduate Masters of Dentistry (Orthodontics) in 1986. During his Masters degree he was awarded the Henry Bradlow Scholarship twice for his academic excellence and also won the Colgate Palmolive Prize of the International Associate of Dental Research for his research paper on Functional Orthodontic Appliances.