It is named after the 17th-century Maltese historian Giovanni Francesco Abela.

Students may choose from a range of subjects and must take two subjects at Advanced Level, three at Intermediate Level, as well as Systems of Knowledge.

College and university students collaborate on cultural projects such as concerts, drama, sport, student exchanges, debates and seminars.

The Junior College is housed in a Modernist building which was constructed between 1962 and 1966 as the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology to designs of Victor Anastasi.

[2] The college is governed by a board composed of: