New initiatives promote migrant integration in Hungary through language, art and peer mentoring

Launch of peer mentoring programme for third-country nationals

The Subjective Values Foundation launched a peer mentoring programme under the AMIR projectto support the integration of third-country nationals (TCNs) in Hungary.

The initiative pairs participants with trained mentors who provide guidance on daily life, including healthcare, education, housing, employment, and financial services. The programme aims to strengthen self-reliance, social participation, and community connections, while also offering learning opportunities for mentors.

Mentorship is voluntary but structured, lasting 10-12 months with weekly or biweekly meetings. The programme is open to TCNs who have lived in Hungary for at least one year, hold a valid residence permit, and can commit to the full duration. Prospective participants can apply online.

Educational and integration programmes supporting migrants in Budapest

Several new programmes were launched in Budapest to support migrant integration, particularly for people displaced from Ukraine.

The EU-funded RIF4UA project, coordinated by Terre des hommes Foundation Hungary, offers free creative activities for children, social skills workshops for young people, and training in financial literacy and digital skills to improve employability; the Jesuit Refugee Service launched an "Introduction to Hungary" series, with workshops and cultural visits; the Hungarian Helsinki Committee launched a human rights coursefor youth aged 16-22, open to refugees, migrants, and Hungarians; and Terézváros Municipality is offering free Hungarian language clubsessions for local residents and permit holders to support everyday communication and integration.

Entrepreneurship programme for people displaced from Ukraine

A six-week entrepreneurship programme was launched to support people displaced from Ukraine with business ideas or early-stage ventures. Organised by Lutheran Diakonia and Impact Hub Budapest under the SMART UA project, it provides practical training in business modelling, marketing, legal and financial basics, and pitching.

The free programme is open to 15 adult participants living in Hungary who can commit to 5-7 hours per week. Sessions take place in central Budapest and are offered in Ukrainian, English, or Hungarian. Participants also gain access to Impact Hub Budapest's entrepreneurial network to support long-term integration and economic independence.

Preparation course for Hungarian cultural knowledge exam

Menedék Association is launching a new migrant education initiative aimed at supporting TCNs in Hungary to prepare for the Hungarian cultural knowledge exam, a requirement for certain residence statuses and long-term integration processes. The exam assesses applicants' understanding of key aspects of Hungarian society and culture, and is an important step for many migrants seeking to strengthen their legal and social ties to the country.

The preparation course is implemented within a project funded by the national Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF)and will offer guided learning, clear explanations and contextualised materials.

Hungarian National Gallery programme for language learners

The Hungarian National Gallery is offering an art education programme for young people learning Hungarian as a foreign language. Through guided museum sessions and discussions based on artworks, participants develop language skills, expand vocabulary, and gain insight into Hungarian history and culture.

Running since 2021, the programme welcomes students, in particular TCNs, from universities, schools, and associations, fostering diverse and inclusive participation. By combining language learning with cultural engagement, it supports integration, mutual understanding, and confidence among international learners.