I want to get a job in Germany. Is it better to do a Masters and search for a job or take a work visa from India to Germany?

Question

I had an interest to do job as Software Engineer in Germany. I am having a 3 years of job experience as Software Engineer in India. Is it better to do Masters or go on a work visa ?

Dhrumil Gupta · Accepted Answer

Well, it depends on what qualification you already have. For example, if you are a recent undergraduate student hoping for good quality jobs in Germany, you may find the procedure tough. Because countries like Germany are very developed and the jobs there are highly competitive. You will need at least one international degree that can solidify your candidature.
Take an experienced professional for example. If a person has done a masters from an abroad university (maybe Germany or not) and after that they have some work experience, it will be easier to get a job in Germany then. The qualification and experience in this situation will act in our favor to peasant a strong candidate.
On the other hand, if you don't have a master's degree by your side it is very hard to land a job in a country like Germany. Don&rsquo;t get me wrong, you can do so with a bachelor only but having an Indian degree and applying to a German job is not very common. The company's theory will favor their graduates from their countries first. This doesn&rsquo;t only increase the competition for you but also makes your profile weaker.
Therefore the best way is to do a masters and then search for a job accordingly. Doing so will allow you to choose a relevant master program through which you&rsquo;ll gain valuable knowledge in the subject. Germany is a really good country packed with world-class universities. If you need any help, just ask me. Happy to help anytime.

Arun Rajawat · Answer

Pursuing a master's degree in Germany offers a more structured way to secure a job. German universities are highly regarded, and their programs often include internships or work placements, giving you hands-on experience. This makes you more competitive in the job market. 
Moreover, Germany offers an 18-month post-study work visa so you can easily search for jobs after graduation. Since companies in Germany value education from their local institutions, getting a degree from here will give you an edge over candidates applying from abroad.
On the other hand, directly applying for a work visa from India can be more challenging. You'd need a job offer from a German company to secure the visa, which is tough without local experience or a strong network. While it's possible, the path may be longer and harder. 
A master&rsquo;s program gives you time to build connections, learn the language, and adapt to the local job market, making it a safer route for long-term career prospects in Germany.

Abhiyudaya Chauhan · Answer

Both options have their pros, but doing a master&rsquo;s in Germany can significantly boost your chances of landing a job. 
Germany is known for its world-class education system, and many programs are tailored to industries that are hiring, such as engineering, IT, and business. Plus, the country offers an 18-month post-study visa, which allows you ample time to find a job after completing your degree.
Getting a work visa directly from India requires a job offer first, which can be difficult if you don&rsquo;t have connections or experience in the German market. Moreover many companies prefer candidates who already have experience or education within the country. 
Studying in Germany first not only builds your qualifications but also helps you understand the local work culture, making the job search much easier.