Mereka Academy course: Freelancing 101

Key facts

• A Mereka Academy course.^[1]
• Free: the only enrolment options cost RM0, with no paid certificate.^[2]
• About 1 hour of effort, online. Instructor-paced: the course team decides when each section opens.^[1][2]
• Open now: it started on 1 January 2026, with no end date or enrolment deadline set as at 23 October 2026.^[2]
• In English. You sign in with your Mereka account, the same one you use for First Move.^[3][4][5]

What you'll do

The course explains how the digital economy has opened up flexible work outside a traditional job, and gives an overview of the main freelancing platforms that connect independent workers with clients^[1]. You then take an honest look at your own skills, experience and readiness, and finish with tips on choosing clients who are a good fit, so you avoid common early mistakes^[1].

The catalogue lists it in English, although its course code ends in "MS"^[3].

How to start

1. Open the course page(opens in a new tab) and choose Sign in, then the Mereka option^[4].
2. Use the same Mereka account you use for First Move: both sites send you to the same Mereka sign-in^[4][5]. The first time, the Academy asks you to fill in a short registration form, including your country^[4].
3. Enrol. There is nothing to pay^[2].

Who it suits

You, if you are creative (design, video, writing) or business-minded and want to test earning from a skill alongside study. It suits the "work-first" routes you compared on Day 3.

What this means for you

• One hour gives you a realistic picture before you sign up to any platform.
• Freelancing platforms set their own minimum age and payment rules. If you are under 18, check them with a parent before you create an account.
• Freelance income is uneven at the start. Treat it as a test of your skills, not a replacement for a study plan.
• Personal Branding helps you present yourself to clients.

Your next step

1. Enrol in Freelancing 101(opens in a new tab) and finish it in one sitting.
2. Write down three skills you could offer and one platform you would look at, check its age rules with a parent, and add both to your Future Map before your 30-day check-in.

Availability and age check

Catalogue and cost observations are dated 23 October 2026. Re-check the provider page before starting, and stop if a payment or unavailable course appears. The linked Mereka Connect agreement sets a minimum age of 16^[6]. It is not an Academy-specific registration policy; check the current Academy terms and any guardian-permission step before enrolling. Use the verified direct sign-in link below if the ordinary login screen omits the Mereka option. External courses use their own accounts and terms.

Access checked 24 October 2026: sign in to Academy with your existing Mereka identity(opens in a new tab). On first use, choose your country and continue; no second password is needed. The ordinary Academy login screen may omit the Mereka button, so use this link or the course button. External course providers use separate access rules.

Availability note, 24 October 2026: some Academy pages kept loading after sign-in during our check. If this happens, keep your work here and use an open-reading alternative or contact the First Move team. Do not enter another password or pay to get past a loading page.