Raja Nazhatul Shima received her early education at school from 1958 to 1962.
On 22 October 1963, her father was installed as the 33rd Sultan of Perak, following which her family moved to Istana Iskandariah, Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar, Perak and she continued studying at the Government English School in Kuala Kangsar.
In 1968, she continued her studies at Upper Chine School, Shanklin, Isle of Wight until sixth form.
Raja Nazhatul Shima was married on 16 September 1972 to famous Singaporean tycoon, Syed Omar Alsagoff (born 1937) at Istana Iskandariah.
Following her marriage, she was granted the title of Her Royal Highness Raja Puan Besar of Perak Darul Ridzuan.