Career advice on design degrees / abroad settlement / jobs

I'm a designer from India with a portfolio combining branding, illustration, and currently learning motion design and Blender for 3D commercials. My long-term goal is to work internationally or eventually settle abroad with my dream job. (lets not talk about AI rn thats different thing thats affecting the market)

I have been researching stuff about universities in UK specifically
Financially, I would only consider a fully funded master's. Otherwise I'd rather spend the next few years building professional experience. I know fully funded aim might be unrealistic but the chances are never impossible (so before you come at me)

For people already working in design internationally:

• Did a design master's abroad significantly help your career?
• If you could start over, would you prioritize work experience instead?
• Have you or your colleagues been hired internationally without a master's?
• Is a strong portfolio and 3–5 years of experience generally more valuable than another degree?
• If your goal was eventually relocating abroad, which path would you choose today and why?

I'm interested in hearing both success stories and regrets.