Kolej Tujuh Belas (17th College) began development on 10 July 2003, in tandem with the construction of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, at an estimated cost of RM202 million, and was fully completed on 10 January 2006.

The key handover ceremony from the developer to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) of Universiti Putra Malaysia took place on 16 June 2006. However, Kolej Tujuh Belas officially began operations on 1 July 2006. In the meantime, its temporary administrative office was located at Astaka Seni, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

In general, the college accommodates students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. However, a small number of students from other faculties at UPM also reside here. The college consists of four residential blocks: Blocks A, B, and C for female students, and Block D for male students. Additional facilities include a surau (prayer room), a student kiosk building, cafeteria, principal’s residence, and eight (8) fellow residences.

The total accommodation capacity of Kolej 17 is 1,800 students.

On 26 June 2022, the college was officially renamed from Kolej Tujuh Belas to Kolej Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee, in honor of the late Tan Sri Ahmad Mustaffa Babjee. This renaming was part of UPM’s initiative to rebrand its residential colleges by naming them after prominent figures who are relevant to students’ fields of study.

It is well known that the late Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee was a distinguished academic figure in medicine, veterinary medicine, and health sciences, with significant contributions both nationally and internationally. The rebranding initiative began during the tenure of Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohd Roslan bin Sulaiman as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UPM and Prof. Dr. Daud Ahmad Israf Ali as Principal of Kolej Tujuh Belas.

The college continues to uphold its traditions and core practices, while several key changes have been introduced, contributing to the advancement of Kolej Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee and Universiti Putra Malaysia as a whole.