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   <TITLE>VITESSE S-8</TITLE>
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<div align=center> <B><FONT size=2 face="serif">As filed with the Securities and
  Exchange Commission on May 12, 2003</FONT></B> </div>
<div align=right> <B><FONT size=2 face="serif">Registration No. 333-____</FONT></B>
</div>
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<P align="center"> <FONT size=4 face="serif"><strong>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</strong></FONT>
  <br>
  <FONT size="3" face="serif"><strong>Washington, D.C. 20549</strong></FONT><br>
  <br>
  <FONT size=4 face="serif"><strong>FORM S-8</strong></FONT> <br>
  <FONT size="3" face="serif">REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
  OF 1933</FONT> <font face="serif"> </font></P>
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<P align="center"><font face="serif"><b><font size="5"> </font></b> </font><B><FONT size=5 face="serif">VITESSE
  SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION</FONT></B> <br>
  <FONT size=2 face="serif">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</FONT>
</P>
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      <TD width="40%"><font size="2" face="serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Delaware</B></font></TD>
      <TD width="40%"><B><FONT size=2 face="serif">77-0138960</FONT></B></TD>
    </TR>
    <TR align="center" valign="top">
      <TD width="40%"><FONT size=1 face="serif">(State or other jurisdiction of<br>
        incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="40%"><FONT size=1 face="serif">(I.R.S. Employer<br>
        Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
    </TR>
  </TABLE>
</div>
<P align="center"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B><FONT size=2 face="serif">741
  Calle Plano <br>
  Camarillo, California 93012</FONT><FONT size=2 face="serif"><br>
  </FONT></B><FONT size=1 face="serif">(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  (Zip code)</FONT> <font size="1" face="serif"><br>
  <br>
  </font><B><FONT size=2 face="serif">Vitesse International, Inc. 1999 International
  Stock Option Plan</FONT></B> <b><font size="2" face="serif"><br>
  </font></b><FONT size=1 face="serif">(Full title of the plan)</FONT> </P>
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<P align="center"><font size="1" face="serif"> </font>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B><FONT size=2 face="serif">Eugene
  F. Hovanec<br>
  Chief Financial Officer <br>
  Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation <br>
  741 Calle Plano<br>
  Camarillo, California 93012</FONT></B> <font size="2" face="serif"><br>
  </font><FONT size=1 face="serif">(Name and address of agent for service)</FONT>
</P>
<P align="center"> <B><FONT size=2 face="serif">(805) 388-3700</FONT></B> <br>
  <FONT size=1 face="serif">(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for
  service)</FONT> </P>
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<P align="center"><B><I><FONT size=2 face="serif">Copy to:</FONT></I></B> <br>
  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B><FONT size=2 face="serif">Francis S. Currie,
  Esq. <br>
  Davis Polk &amp; Wardwell <br>
  1600 El Camino Real <br>
  Menlo Park, California 94025 <br>
  (650) 752-2000</FONT></B> </P>
<P align="center"> <B><FONT size=2 face="serif">CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</FONT></B>
</P>
<table width="100%" border="1" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
  <tr align="center" valign="bottom">
    <td width="40%"><strong><font size="1" face="serif">Title of securities<br>
      to be registered</font></strong></td>
    <td width="15%"><strong><font size="1" face="serif">Amount to be<br>
      registered</font></strong></td>
    <td width="15%"><strong><font size="1" face="serif">Proposed maximum<br>
      offering price<br>
      per share (1)</font></strong></td>
    <td width="15%"><strong><font size="1" face="serif">Proposed maximum<br>
      aggregate<br>
      offering price</font></strong></td>
    <td width="15%"><strong><font size="1" face="serif">Amount of<br>
      registration<br>
      fee</font></strong></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td width="40%" align="left" valign="bottom" nowrap><font size="2" face="serif">Vitesse
      International, Inc. 1999 International Stock<br>
      &nbsp; Option Plan</font></td>
    <td width="15%" align="center" valign="bottom"><font size="2" face="serif">1,000,000</font></td>
    <td width="15%" align="center" valign="bottom"><font size="2" face="serif">$&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.46</font></td>
    <td width="15%" align="center" valign="bottom"><font size="2" face="serif">$3,460,000</font></td>
    <td width="15%" align="center" valign="bottom"><font size="2" face="serif">$280.00</font></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td width="40%" align="left" valign="bottom"><font size="2" face="serif">Totals</font></td>
    <td width="15%" align="center" valign="bottom"><font size="2" face="serif">1,000,000</font></td>
    <td width="15%" align="center" valign="bottom"><font size="2" face="serif">N/A</font></td>
    <td width="15%" align="center" valign="bottom"><font size="2" face="serif">$3,460,000</font></td>
    <td width="15%" align="center" valign="bottom"><font size="2" face="serif">$280.00</font></td>
  </tr>
</table>
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<table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
  <tr align="left" valign="top">
    <td width="5%"><font size="2" face="serif">(1)</font></td>
    <td width="85%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Estimated in accordance with Rule
      457(h) solely for the purpose of calculating the total registration fee.
      Computed based on the closing price for the Registrant&#146;s Common Stock
      on May 8, 2003.</FONT></td>
  </tr>
</table>
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<P align="center"> <B><FONT size=2 face="serif">PART II</FONT></B> </P>
<P align="center"> <B><FONT size=2 face="serif">INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION
  STATEMENT</FONT></B> </P>
<P> <B><FONT size=2 face="serif">Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference</FONT></B>
</P>
<P> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT size=2 face="serif">This Registration
  Statement incorporates herein by reference the following documents which have
  been filed with the Commission by the Registrant:</FONT> </P>
<TABLE>
  <TR>
    <TD valign="top" width="5%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">1.</FONT><BR>
      &nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
    <td valign="top"><FONT size=2 face="serif">The Registrant&#146;s Annual Report
      on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed pursuant
      to Section 13 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the &#147;Exchange
      Act&#148;).</FONT><BR></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td valign="top" width="3%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">2.</FONT><BR>
      &nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
    <td valign="top"><FONT size=2 face="serif">The Registrant&#146;s Quarterly
      Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2002, as
      amended, filed pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.</FONT><BR></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td valign="top" width="3%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">3.</FONT><BR>
      &nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
    <td valign="top"><FONT size=2 face="serif">The Registrant&#146;s Current Reports
      on Form 8-K dated February 7,2003 and April 22, 2003, filed pursuant to
      Section 13 of the Exchange Act.</FONT><BR></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td valign="top" width="3%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">4.</FONT><BR>
      &nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
    <td valign="top"><FONT size=2 face="serif">The description of the Registrant&#146;s
      Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, contained in its registration statement
      on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November
      8, 1991, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating
      such description.</FONT><BR></td>
  </tr>
</TABLE>
<P> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT size=2 face="serif">All other documents
  filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
  14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Registration
  Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to this Registration
  Statement which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which
  de-registers all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated
  by reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the
  date of filing of such documents (such documents, and the documents enumerated
  above, being hereinafter referred to collectively as the &#147;Incorporated
  Documents&#148;).</FONT> </P>
<P> <B><FONT size=2 face="serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 4. Description
  of Securities.</FONT></B> </P>
<P> <FONT size=2 face="serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.</FONT>
</P>
<P> <B><FONT size=2 face="serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 5. Interest
  of Named Experts and Counsel.</FONT></B> </P>
<P> <FONT size=2 face="serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.</FONT>
</P>
<P> <B><FONT size=2 face="serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 6. Indemnification
  of Directors and Officers.</FONT></B> </P>
<P> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT size=2 face="serif">The Registrant has adopted
  provisions in its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation which (i)
  eliminate the personal liability of its directors to the Registrant and its
  shareholders for monetary damages arising from a breach of their fiduciary duties
  in certain circumstances, and (ii) authorize the Registrant to indemnify its
  directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law. The limitation
  of liability does not affect the availability of equitable remedies, such as
  injunctive relief or rescission. In addition, the Registrant&#146;s bylaws provide
  that the Registrant shall indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest
  extent permitted by applicable law.</FONT> </P>
<P> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT size=2 face="serif">The Registrant has entered
  into separate indemnification agreements with each of its officers and directors
  that contain provisions which are in some respects broader than the specific
  indemnification provisions contained in the Delaware General Corporation Law.
  The indemnification agreements may require the Registrant, among other things,
  to indemnify such officers and directors against certain liabilities that may
  arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers (other than
  liabilities arising from willful misconduct of a culpable nature), to advance
  their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which
  they could be indemnified, and to obtain director&#146;s and officer&#146;s
  insurance, if available on reasonable terms.</FONT> </P>
<P> <B><FONT size=2 face="serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 7. Exemption
  for Registration Claimed.</FONT></B> </P>
<P> <FONT size=2 face="serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.</FONT>
</P>
<P align="center"> <FONT size=2 face="serif">2</FONT> </P>
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<p><B><FONT size=2 face="serif">Item 8. Exhibits.</FONT></B> </P>
<P> <FONT size=2 face="serif">The following are filed as part of this Registration
  Statement:</FONT> </P>
<TABLE width="100%" border=0 cellspacing=5 cellpadding=0>
  <TR>
    <TD width="10%"><u><B><FONT size=2 face="serif">Exhibit No.</FONT></B></u></TD>
    <TD align="center" width="90%"><u><B><FONT size=2 face="serif">Description</FONT></B></u></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD><font size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT face="serif">4.1</FONT></font></TD>
    <TD width="90%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Vitesse International, Inc. 1999
      International Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
      4.1 to the</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width="90%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Company&#146;s Registration Statement
      on Form S-8 (File No. 333-33918))</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD><font size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT face="serif">5.1</FONT></font></TD>
    <TD width="90%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Opinion of Davis Polk &amp; Wardwell
      as to the legality of securities being registered (filed herewith)</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD><font size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT face="serif">23.1</FONT></font></TD>
    <TD width="90%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Consent of KPMG LLP (filed herewith)</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD><font size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT face="serif">23.3</FONT></font></TD>
    <TD width="90%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Consent of Davis Polk &amp; Wardwell
      (included in Exhibit 5.1)</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD><font size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT face="serif">24</FONT></font></TD>
    <TD width="90%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Power of Attorney (Included on signature
      pages of this Registration Statement)</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
</TABLE>
<P><FONT size=2 face="serif"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 9. Undertakings.</strong></FONT>
</P>

<p><FONT size=2 face="serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The undersigned
  Registrant hereby undertakes:</FONT> </P>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT size=2 face="serif">(1) To file, during any period in
which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration
statement to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution
not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change
to such information in the registration statement.</FONT>
<P> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT size=2 face="serif">(2) That, for the purpose
  of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933 (the &#147;Securities
  Act&#148;), each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
  statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
  securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
  thereof.</FONT> </P>
<P> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT size=2 face="serif">(3) To remove from registration
  by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered
  which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.</FONT> </P>
<P> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT size=2 face="serif">(b) The undersigned Registrant
  hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the
  Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant&#146;s annual report, pursuant
  to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable,
  each filing of an employee benefit plan&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section
  15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration
  statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
  securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
  shall be deemed to be the initial </FONT><I><FONT size=2 face="serif">bona fide</FONT></I><FONT size=2
face="serif"> offering thereof.</FONT> </P>
<P> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT size=2 face="serif">(c) Insofar as indemnification
  for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors,
  officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing
  provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion
  of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
  in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
  claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
  the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
  person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding)
  is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with
  the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion
  of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit
  to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification
  by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be
  governed by the final adjudication of such issue.</FONT> </P>
<P align="center"> <font size="2" face="serif">3</font></P>
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<P align="center"> <B><FONT size=2 face="serif">SIGNATURES</FONT></B> </P>
<P> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT size=2 face="serif">Pursuant to the requirements
  of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds
  to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and
  has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
  undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Camarillo, State of California,
  on the 9th day of May, 2003.</FONT> </P>
<div align=right>
<TABLE width="50%" border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0>
  <TR>
    <TD><FONT size=2 face="serif">VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD>&nbsp;<FONT size=2 face="serif">By: <u>/s/ Eugene F. Hovanec&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u></FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT size=2 face="serif">Eugene
        F. Hovanec</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT size=2 face="serif">Vice President,
        Finance and Chief Financial Officer</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
</TABLE>
</div>
<P align="center"> <FONT size=2 face="serif">POWER OF ATTORNEY</FONT> </P>
<P> <FONT size=2 face="serif">KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person
  whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Louis R. Tomasetta and
  Eugene F. Hovanec, jointly and severally, his attorneys-in-fact, each with the
  power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments
  to this Registration Statement on Form S-8, and to file the same, with exhibits
  thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
  Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact,
  or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.</FONT>
</P>
<P> <FONT size=2 face="serif">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act,
  as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons
  in the capacities and on the date indicated. </FONT> </P>
<TABLE width="100%" border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0>
  <TR>
    <TD width="24%" align="center">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B><FONT size=1 face="serif"><u>Signature</u></FONT></B></TD>
    <TD align="left" width="41%"><B><FONT size=1 face="serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Title</u></FONT></B></TD>
    <TD align="left" width="35%"><B><FONT size=1 face="serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Date</u></FONT></B></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD align="center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><font size="2" face="serif">/s/ Louis R. Tomasetta</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="41%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">President, Chief Executive Officer
      and Director</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="35%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">May 9, 2003</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><hr align="left" width=95% size=1 noshade color="#000000"> </TD>
    <TD><font size=2 face="serif">(Principal Executive Officer)</font></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size=2 face="serif">Louis R. Tomasetta</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="41%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="41%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><font size="2" face="serif">/s/ Eugene F. Hovanec</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="41%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Vice President of Finance and Chief
      Financial</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="35%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">May 9, 2003</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><hr align="left" width=95% size=1 noshade color="#000000"> </TD>
    <TD><font size=2 face="serif">Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting</font></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size=2 face="serif">Eugene F. Hovanec</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="41%"><font size=2 face="serif">Officer)</font></TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="41%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size=2 face="serif">/s/ James A. Cole</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="41%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Director</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="35%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">May 9, 2003</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><hr align="left" width=95% size=1 noshade color="#000000"> </TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size=2 face="serif">James A. Cole</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="41%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size=2 face="serif">/s/ John C. Lewis</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="41%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Director</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="35%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">May 9, 2003</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><hr align="left" width=95% size=1 noshade color="#000000"> </TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size=2 face="serif">John C. Lewis</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="41%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size=2 face="serif">/s/ Alex Daly</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="41%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Director</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="35%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">May 9, 2003</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><hr align="left" width=95% size=1 noshade color="#000000"> </TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size=2 face="serif">Alex Daly</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="41%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size=2 face="serif">/s/ Vincent Chan</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="41%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Director</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="35%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">May 9, 2003</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><hr align="left" width=95% size=1 noshade color="#000000"></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR align="left" valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size=2 face="serif">Vincent Chan</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="41%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
</TABLE>
<P align="center"> <FONT size=2 face="serif">S-1</FONT> </P>
<br>
<br>
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<br>
<hr size=2 color=GRAY noshade>
<br>
<P align="center"> <B><FONT size=2 face="serif">EXHIBIT INDEX</FONT></B> </P>
<TABLE width="100%" border=0 cellspacing=5 cellpadding=0>
  <TR>
    <TD width="10%"><u><B><FONT size=2 face="serif">Exhibit No.</FONT></B></u></TD>
    <TD align="center" width="90%"><u><B><FONT size=2 face="serif">Description</FONT></B></u></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD><font size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT face="serif">4.1</FONT></font></TD>
    <TD width="90%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Vitesse International, Inc. 1999
      International Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
      4.1 to the</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></TD>
    <TD width="90%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Company&#146;s Registration Statement
      on Form S-8 (File No. 333-33918))</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD><font size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT face="serif">5.1</FONT></font></TD>
    <TD width="90%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Opinion of Davis Polk &amp; Wardwell
      as to the legality of securities being registered (filed herewith)</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD><font size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT face="serif">23.1</FONT></font></TD>
    <TD width="90%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Consent of KPMG LLP (filed herewith)</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD><font size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT face="serif">23.3</FONT></font></TD>
    <TD width="90%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Consent of Davis Polk &amp; Wardwell
      (included in Exhibit 5.1)</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD><font size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT face="serif">24</FONT></font></TD>
    <TD width="90%"><FONT size=2 face="serif">Power of Attorney (Included on signature
      pages of this Registration Statement)</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
</TABLE>
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VITESSE S-8
As filed with the Securities and
  Exchange Commission on May 12, 2003
Registration No. 333-____
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
  OF 1933
VITESSE
  SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
77-0138960
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
741
  Calle Plano
Camarillo, California 93012
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  (Zip code)
Vitesse International, Inc. 1999 International
  Stock Option Plan
(Full title of the plan)
Eugene
  F. Hovanec
Chief Financial Officer
Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation
741 Calle Plano
Camarillo, California 93012
(Name and address of agent for service)
(805) 388-3700
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for
  service)
Copy to:
Francis S. Currie,
  Esq.
Davis Polk & Wardwell
1600 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, California 94025
(650) 752-2000
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of securities
to be registered
Amount to be
registered
Proposed maximum
offering price
per share (1)
Proposed maximum
aggregate
offering price
Amount of
registration
fee
Vitesse
      International, Inc. 1999 International Stock
Option Plan
1,000,000
$   3.46
$3,460,000
$280.00
Totals
1,000,000
N/A
$3,460,000
$280.00
(1)
Estimated in accordance with Rule
      457(h) solely for the purpose of calculating the total registration fee.
      Computed based on the closing price for the Registrant's Common Stock
      on May 8, 2003.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION
  STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference
This Registration
  Statement incorporates herein by reference the following documents which have
  been filed with the Commission by the Registrant:
1.
The Registrant's Annual Report
      on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed pursuant
      to Section 13 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange
      Act").
2.
The Registrant's Quarterly
      Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2002, as
      amended, filed pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
3.
The Registrant's Current Reports
      on Form 8-K dated February 7,2003 and April 22, 2003, filed pursuant to
      Section 13 of the Exchange Act.
4.
The description of the Registrant's
      Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, contained in its registration statement
      on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November
      8, 1991, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating
      such description.
All other documents
  filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
  14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Registration
  Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to this Registration
  Statement which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which
  de-registers all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated
  by reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the
  date of filing of such documents (such documents, and the documents enumerated
  above, being hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Incorporated
  Documents").
Item 4. Description
  of Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Interest
  of Named Experts and Counsel.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Indemnification
  of Directors and Officers.
The Registrant has adopted
  provisions in its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation which (i)
  eliminate the personal liability of its directors to the Registrant and its
  shareholders for monetary damages arising from a breach of their fiduciary duties
  in certain circumstances, and (ii) authorize the Registrant to indemnify its
  directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law. The limitation
  of liability does not affect the availability of equitable remedies, such as
  injunctive relief or rescission. In addition, the Registrant's bylaws provide
  that the Registrant shall indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest
  extent permitted by applicable law.
The Registrant has entered
  into separate indemnification agreements with each of its officers and directors
  that contain provisions which are in some respects broader than the specific
  indemnification provisions contained in the Delaware General Corporation Law.
  The indemnification agreements may require the Registrant, among other things,
  to indemnify such officers and directors against certain liabilities that may
  arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers (other than
  liabilities arising from willful misconduct of a culpable nature), to advance
  their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which
  they could be indemnified, and to obtain director's and officer's
  insurance, if available on reasonable terms.
Item 7. Exemption
  for Registration Claimed.
Not applicable.
2
Item 8. Exhibits.
The following are filed as part of this Registration
  Statement:
Exhibit No.
Description
4.1
Vitesse International, Inc. 1999
      International Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
      4.1 to the
Company's Registration Statement
      on Form S-8 (File No. 333-33918))
5.1
Opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell
      as to the legality of securities being registered (filed herewith)
23.1
Consent of KPMG LLP (filed herewith)
23.3
Consent of Davis Polk & Wardwell
      (included in Exhibit 5.1)
24
Power of Attorney (Included on signature
      pages of this Registration Statement)
Item 9. Undertakings.
(a) The undersigned
  Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in
which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration
statement to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution
not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change
to such information in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose
  of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities
  Act"), each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
  statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
  securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
  thereof.
(3) To remove from registration
  by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered
  which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(b) The undersigned Registrant
  hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the
  Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report, pursuant
  to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable,
  each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section
  15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration
  statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
  securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
  shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide
offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification
  for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors,
  officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing
  provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion
  of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
  in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
  claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
  the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
  person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding)
  is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with
  the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion
  of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit
  to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification
  by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be
  governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
3
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements
  of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds
  to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and
  has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
  undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Camarillo, State of California,
  on the 9th day of May, 2003.
VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
By:
/s/ Eugene F. Hovanec
Eugene
        F. Hovanec
Vice President,
        Finance and Chief Financial Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person
  whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Louis R. Tomasetta and
  Eugene F. Hovanec, jointly and severally, his attorneys-in-fact, each with the
  power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments
  to this Registration Statement on Form S-8, and to file the same, with exhibits
  thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
  Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact,
  or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act,
  as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons
  in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Louis R. Tomasetta
President, Chief Executive Officer
      and Director
May 9, 2003
(Principal Executive Officer)
Louis R. Tomasetta
/s/ Eugene F. Hovanec
Vice President of Finance and Chief
      Financial
May 9, 2003
Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting
Eugene F. Hovanec
Officer)
/s/ James A. Cole
Director
May 9, 2003
James A. Cole
/s/ John C. Lewis
Director
May 9, 2003
John C. Lewis
/s/ Alex Daly
Director
May 9, 2003
Alex Daly
/s/ Vincent Chan
Director
May 9, 2003
Vincent Chan
S-1
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Description
4.1
Vitesse International, Inc. 1999
      International Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
      4.1 to the
Company's Registration Statement
      on Form S-8 (File No. 333-33918))
5.1
Opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell
      as to the legality of securities being registered (filed herewith)
23.1
Consent of KPMG LLP (filed herewith)
23.3
Consent of Davis Polk & Wardwell
      (included in Exhibit 5.1)
24
Power of Attorney (Included on signature
      pages of this Registration Statement)