FAA administrator Huerta has announced that the FAA will start allowing students to operate UAS for educational and research purposes today (May 4, 2016).

As a result, schools and students will no longer need a Section 333 exemption or any other authorization to fly provided they follow the rules for model aircraft. Faculty will be able to use drones in connection with helping their students with their courses.

“Schools and universities are incubators for tomorrow’s great ideas, and we think this is going to be a significant shot in the arm for innovation,” Huerta said.

Here is a pdf of the FAA Memorandum on students flying UAS for educational purposes.