As there is no youth law in Hungary, the term 'youth' is not set in stone and is therefore defined differently across various legislative and policy areas.

The National Youth Strategy 2009–2024 provided a strategic framework for youth policy between 2009–2024. However, in its final years, it was less referenced in policy-making (the last action plan referred to 2016–2017). Following its expiry, a new national youth strategy has not yet been adopted, but preparations for one are underway. In the interim period, the main directions of youth policy are shaped by the background work of the ministry responsible for youth affairs and by European-level frameworks, including the EU Youth Strategy and participation in international policy processes, particularly within the Council of Europe's youth cooperation structures.

Youth policy is mainly managed in the Ministry of Culture and Innovation where the State Secretariat for Higher Education, Vocational and Adult Education, and Youth Affairs is located. The agencies dedicated to youth policy are the Deputy State Secretariat for Youth and the Department for Young People. The Ministry for National Economy coordinates the Youth Guarantee Scheme in the State Secretariat for Employment Policy and the Department for European Union Policies and Programmes. Notably, social and public education policies are under the responsibility of the Ministry of Interior. In contrast, higher vocational and adult education fall under the aforementioned state secretariat within the Ministry of Culture and Innovation. The Board of the Children and Youth Fund is the primary advisory body for youth issues. Following the April 2026 parliamentary elections, a reorganisation of the governmental structure is highly likely regardless of the election outcome; therefore, the institutional arrangements described here reflect the situation at the time of writing.