The article discusses various database models, their structure, methods of organization, storage and accessibility of the contained material. The main characteristics of each model, their features, positive and negative sides, and the use of a particular model for developing an application using a database are presented in detail. The rating of database usage according to the “Database Engines” version for creating various applications for 2023 is shown. From this set of models, 7 main databases of the most popular at the moment have been identified. Recommendations are given on the use of databases in the educational process for higher educational institutions.