Early childhood teachers get a bachelor's degree in educational science, the extent of which is 180 credits (ETCS). This degree qualifies to serve as a kindergarten teacher and as a preschool teacher.

Classroom teachers get a master's degree in educational science (ETCS 300 cr). This degree qualifies to serve as a classroom teacher and as a pre-school teacher. The compulsory education in Finland lasts nine years, from the age of 7 to the age of 16.

Subject teachers get a Master's degree, the extent of which is 300 credits (ETCS). There are two possibilities to get in to the subject teacher education. The more common way is to start studying the subject at the university first and then later the pedagogical studies. After these pedagogical studies one is qualified to teach the subject in question. The other way is to apply directly to the subject teacher education. This direct selection to teacher education is getting more common, but so far it is only possible in few subjects.

Special-education teachers get a Master's degree in educational science (ETCS 300 cr). This degree qualifies to serve as a special-education teacher in comprehensive schools, and as a classroom teacher.

Vocational school teachers as a rule get a degree at a university or at a vocational institute of higher education, then they work for a few years, and after that they do the pedagogical studies at a vocational institute of higher education to qualify to serve as teachers.