numerus clausus

Noun

 * 1) Any limitation in number for the admission of newcomers.
 * 2) Limitation on the number of those who enter a profession
 * 3) Limitation on the number of students allowed to enter university based on examination performance, ethnicity or gender.
 * 4) The limitation of in rem rights under property law to the selection previously devised by the legal system.

Usage notes

 * The sense of a limitation of student admission is limited to academic usage in the US, usually referring to European practices. In the US, such limitations are called.